Lexical Summary rahab: To act stormily, to be proud, to behave arrogantly Original Word: רָהַב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance overcome, behave self proudly, make sure, strengthen A primitive root; to urge severely, i.e. (figuratively) importune, embolden, capture, act insolently -- overcome, behave self proudly, make sure, strengthen. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to act stormily, boisterously or arrogantly NASB Translation confused (1), importune (1), made me bold (1), storm (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [רָהַב] verb act stormily, boisterously, arrogantly (Ecclus 13:8; Late Hebrew id., Hiph`il make proud (rare), ᵑ7 רְהֵב be arrogant; Assyrian ra°âbu, storm at (angrily); Arabic  be alarmed, frightened; Syriac  , Pe`al Participle trembling, hastening, Aph`el terrify, hasten); — Qal Imperfect3masculine plural יִרְחֲבוּ הַנַּעַר בַּזָּקֵן Isaiah 3:5 ("" וְנִגַּשׂ) storm against (ᵐ5 προσκόψει); Imperative רְהַב רֵעֶ(י)ךָ Proverbs 6:3 beset, importune, thy friend (PerlesAnal. 61 conjecture רְהַן give surety, compare Late Hebrew הרהין). Hiph`il Perfect3masculine plural suffix הִרְהִיבֻ֑נִי Songs 6:5, of eyes, dubious: alarm me Hi Ew Bu, awe me Gi, disturb, confuse me, Oettli DrIntr. 419 (446) Buhl; Imperfect2masculine singular suffix תַּרְהִבֵנִי Psalm 138:3 (subject ׳י), Buhl Bae Dr thou makest me proud, bold (Thes De Che denominative of רֹהַב). Topical Lexicon Concept Overview רָהַב depicts a surge of forceful energy that can flow in two opposite moral directions. Positively, it may describe divinely imparted courage that steadies the heart; negatively, it pictures an overbearing spirit that overwhelms, presses, or oppresses others. All four canonical occurrences place the word in relational settings where one party’s intensity bears down on another, revealing how the same inner drive becomes either holy boldness or destructive arrogance. Occurrences and Contexts 1. Psalm 138:3 – holy boldness that strengthens the soul. Holy Boldness Granted by God (Psalm 138:3) “On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold and strengthened my soul.” Here רָהַב marks the soul’s infusion with God-given courage. The psalmist’s boldness is neither self-generated nor reckless; it arises from God’s faithful response to prayer. Such empowerment echoes Joshua 1:9 and Acts 4:31, underscoring that true bravery is a gift granted for obedience and testimony. Urgent Humility that Heals Relationships (Proverbs 6:3) “Go, humble yourself, and plead with your neighbor.” The verb urges swift, energetic action to resolve indebtedness. Instead of arrogant self-defense, Solomon enjoins a vigorous humility that throws pride aside to secure peace. The passage illustrates Proverbs’ recurring contrast between proud complacency and decisive repentance (compare Proverbs 28:13). Overwhelming Delight in Covenant Love (Song of Solomon 6:5) “Turn your eyes away from me, for they overwhelm me.” The bridegroom confesses that the bride’s gaze exercises a conquering power over his heart. In marital imagery that later illuminates Christ’s love for His Church (Ephesians 5:25-32), רָהַב speaks of affection so compelling it disarms the beloved and deepens mutual devotion. Oppressive Arrogance that Dismantles Society (Isaiah 3:5) “The people will oppress one another—man against man, neighbor against neighbor. The young will insult the old, and the contemptible will despise the honorable.” Isaiah portrays covenant-breaking Israel. The same driving energy that could have fortified national righteousness instead erupts as social tyranny. This reversal of divine order previews the judgment of Romans 1:28-31, where rejection of God unleashes relational chaos. Theological Thread Across Scripture רָהַב exposes the heart’s orientation. Strength under the Spirit’s rule becomes bold witness and protective love; strength under sin’s rule turns into self-exalting oppression. The verb thereby contributes to the biblical doctrine of human agency: moral quality is determined not by inherent capacity but by submission to or rebellion against God. Ministry Implications • Encourage prayer-borne courage in leadership and evangelism, following Psalm 138:3. Intertextual Connections for Further Study Exodus 14:13-14; 2 Samuel 10:12; Psalm 31:24; Proverbs 16:18; Isaiah 10:12-13; Acts 4:29-31; James 4:6-10. Summary רָהַב reminds believers that the same intensive force can glorify God or devastate neighbor. Surrendered to the Lord, it forges courageous service and devoted love; left to pride, it degrades human relationships and invites judgment. Forms and Transliterations הִרְהִיבֻ֑נִי הרהיבני וּרְהַ֥ב ורהב יִרְהֲב֗וּ ירהבו תַּרְהִבֵ֖נִי תרהבני hir·hî·ḇu·nî hirhîḇunî hirhiVuni tar·hi·ḇê·nî tarhiḇênî tarhiVeni ū·rə·haḇ ūrəhaḇ ureHav yir·hă·ḇū yirhăḇū yirhaVuLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 138:3 HEB: קָ֭רָֽאתִי וַֽתַּעֲנֵ֑נִי תַּרְהִבֵ֖נִי בְנַפְשִׁ֣י עֹֽז׃ NAS: You answered me; You made me bold with strength KJV: thou answeredst me, [and] strengthenedst me [with] strength INT: called answered made my soul strength Proverbs 6:3 Songs 6:5 Isaiah 3:5 4 Occurrences |
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