Lexical Summary Rhaab: Rahab Original Word: Ῥαάβ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Rahab. Of Hebrew origin (Rachab); Raab (i.e. Rachab), a Canaanitess -- Rahab. See also Rhachab. see HEBREW Rachab see GREEK Rhachab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Rachab Definition Rahab, a Canaanitess and an ancestor of Christ NASB Translation Rahab (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4460: ΡααβΡααβ (and Ῥαχάβ, Matthew 1:5; Ρ᾽αχαβη, Ρ᾽αχαβης, in Josephus (Antiquities 5, 1, 2 etc.)), ἡ (רָחָב 'broad', 'ample'), Rahab, a harlot of Jericho: Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25. (Cf. B. D. under the word; Lightfoot Clement of Rome, Appendix (London, 1877), p. 413.) Topical Lexicon Identity and Historical Setting Rahab was a Gentile woman living in Jericho at the time Israel was poised to cross the Jordan under Joshua’s leadership (Joshua 2; 6). Though described as a “prostitute,” she owned a house on the city wall that doubled as an inn, providing the plausible cover that enabled her to receive the Israelite spies. Her city was under the shadow of impending judgment for its idolatry (Leviticus 18:24–25; Deuteronomy 9:4–5), yet Rahab’s heart was already stirred by what she had heard of the LORD’s mighty acts at the Red Sea and against the kings of the Amorites (Joshua 2:9–11). Rahab’s Confession of Faith Rahab’s confession is one of the clearest declarations of monotheistic faith in the Old Testament outside Israel itself: “For the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth below” (Joshua 2:11). She asked for covenant mercy (ḥesed) and, in return, provided life-endangering protection to the spies. The scarlet cord she displayed in her window became the sign of her salvation when Jericho fell (Joshua 6:17-25). Integration into Israel After Jericho’s destruction Rahab and her family were spared and were said to have “lived among the Israelites to this day” (Joshua 6:25). Rabbinic tradition and the genealogy in Matthew 1:5 indicate she married Salmon of the tribe of Judah and became mother to Boaz, great-grandmother to King David, and thus an ancestress of Jesus the Messiah. Her inclusion illustrates the divine intention to bless the nations through Abraham’s seed (Genesis 12:3). New Testament Usage of Ῥαὰβ (Strong’s Greek 4460) 1. Hebrews 11:31 presents Rahab as a model of faith: “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, was not killed with those who were disobedient”. Her faith was forward-looking, resting on revelation she had only heard, yet it resulted in decisive action. Theological Themes • Grace to the Outsider: Rahab’s account anticipates the gospel’s reach beyond Israel (Romans 10:12-13; Ephesians 2:11-13). Lessons for Ministry and Discipleship 1. Evangelism: Even those immersed in pagan culture may respond decisively when confronted with the reality of God’s power and mercy. Related Old Testament References • Exodus 14–15 (Red Sea deliverance Rahab had heard about) Summary Rahab stands as a timeless witness to the power of God’s grace received through faith that acts. Her account weaves together themes of judgment and salvation, faith and works, Israel and the nations, ultimately foreshadowing the inclusive redemption accomplished in Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations Ρααβ Ῥαὰβ Raab Rhaab RhaàbLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Hebrews 11:31 NGRK: Πίστει Ῥαὰβ ἡ πόρνη NAS: By faith Rahab the harlot KJV: By faith the harlot Rahab perished not INT: By faith Rahab the prostitute James 2:25 N |
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