רְפָיָה (re.pha.yah)
re.pha.yah
Rephaiah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Rephaiah appears five times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within genealogical records in 1 Chronicles and Nehemiah. It is a masculine proper noun meaning "healed of Jehovah." The sources identify several distinct individuals bearing this name across different tribal lineages, including descendants of Judah, Simeon, Issachar, and Saul.
This variety shows that the name was not unique to one family but was used by various groups over centuries. One notable bearer is mentioned in Nehemiah 3:9 as a ruler or official involved in repairing Jerusalem’s walls after the exile. Another appears in 1 Chronicles 4:42 as a Simeonite chief.
The recurring theme of divine healing in the name reflects a common biblical practice of embedding theological hope into personal identity. By naming their children with references to God’s action, families affirmed their trust in His care and restoration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Rephaiah carries a quiet but powerful promise: "healed of Jehovah." In an ancient world where identity was often tied to lineage and land, this name stood out as a personal testimony to God’s restorative power. It reminds us that our names—and by extension, our lives—can reflect the care and healing we have received from the Lord.
While Rephaiah appears in genealogies, these records are not just lists of ancestors. They show how ordinary people, including leaders like the official in Nehemiah 3:9 who helped rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, carried their faith into daily work. Their stories suggest that healing is not only spiritual but also practical, shaping how we serve our communities.
When we encounter this name today, it invites us to trust in God’s ability to restore what is broken. Whether in personal struggles or communal efforts, His healing presence remains a source of hope and strength for all who seek Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Rephaiah3×
- Rephaiah2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רְפָיָה֙1×
- רְפָיָ֣ה1×
- וּ/רְפָיָ֧ה1×
- וּ/רְפָיָ֥ה1×
- וּ/רְפָיָ֡ה1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 3:9
Next to them, Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs.
This verse highlights Rephaiah’s active role in rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, showing how his name’s meaning of divine healing was lived out in restoring the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Rephaiah mean?
Where does Rephaiah appear in the Bible?
Why is Rephaiah significant in biblical history?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)
I Chronicles 4 verses
The sons of Hananiah: Pelatiah and Jeshaiah; the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of…
I Chronicles 4:42Some of them, even of the sons of Simeon, five hundred men, went to Mount Seir, having for their captains Pelatiah,…
I Chronicles 7:2The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their fathers’ houses, of Tola; mighty…
I Chronicles 9:43Moza became the father of Binea, Rephaiah his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son.