רֶ֫פַח (re.phach)
re.phach
Rephah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Rephah appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in 1 Chronicles 7:25 as part of the genealogy of the tribe of Ephraim. He is identified as the son of Beriah and the brother of Sheerah and Resheph. This brief mention places him within a specific family line during the period leading up to the Divided Monarchy, serving as a link between his father and later descendants.
Etymologically, the name is often interpreted to mean "healing of the breath" or simply "healing." While this root shares sounds with other Hebrew words for strength or recovery, in this context it functions strictly as a personal identifier rather than a theological statement. The sources do not attribute any narrative action to Rephah himself; he exists solely within the list of ancestors.
His significance lies in his role as an ancestral connector. Genealogies in Chronicles often serve to establish tribal identity and continuity. By including Rephah, the text preserves the lineage that eventually leads to Joshua, the successor of Moses. The name stands as a quiet marker in a long chain of generations, reminding readers that individual lives contribute to the broader story of Israel’s tribes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Genealogies can sometimes feel like dry lists of names, but they hold a quiet warmth for those who study them. Rephah appears in 1 Chronicles 7:25 as part of Ephraim’s family line. Though the text offers no story about his daily life or specific deeds, his inclusion reminds us that every person in this chain matters to the broader narrative of God’s people.
This brief mention connects his father Beriah to later descendants, preserving the identity of a tribe that would play a significant role in Israel’s history. It is a gentle reminder that faithfulness is often found in continuity and lineage rather than just in dramatic events. Each name recorded here contributes to the foundation upon which future leaders, like Joshua, would stand.
When we look at these ancient records, we see that God cares about individual lives within the community. Even without a detailed biography, Rephah’s presence shows that every generation is part of a larger, unfolding story. This continuity offers comfort, knowing that our own place in history and faith is valued by the One who keeps the record.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Rephah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/רֶ֣פַח1×