Lexical Summary Rahab: Rahab Original Word: רַהַב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance proud, strength From rahab, bluster(-er) -- proud, strength. see HEBREW rahab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom rahab Definition "storm," a sea monster NASB Translation Rahab (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs רַ֫הַב noun [masculine] literally storm, arrogance, but only as names, v, infr; — absolute ׳ר Isaiah 30:7, רָ֑הַב Job 9:13 +; — 1 mythical sea monster (compare BartonJAOS xiv.1 (1891), 22 f.): ׳עֹזְרֵי ר Job 9:13; "" יָם Job 26:12; Psalm 89:11; "" תַּנִּין Isaiah 51:9. 2 emblematic name of Egypt, רַהַב וּבָבֶל Psalm 87:4; "" מצרים Isaiah 30:7. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Conceptual Range רַהַב portrays insolent self-assertion that sets itself against the rule of God. Scripture employs the word to personify chaotic opposition (as a mythic sea monster) and to characterize national pride (particularly Egypt). In each case Rahab embodies boastful strength that ultimately proves powerless before the LORD. Occurrences and Literary Context • Job 9:13 shows Rahab as a defiant force whose helpers collapse when God’s anger is unleashed. Rahab as Personification of Chaotic Resistance Within Job, Rahab stands alongside Leviathan as poetic shorthand for untamable disorder. The term magnifies the greatness of the Creator, whose power not only restrains the seas but crushes every rebellious force they symbolize. God neither negotiates with such arrogance nor fears it; He simply breaks it. This imagery assures the believer that no spiritual or natural power can rival the sovereignty of God (compare Colossians 2:15). Rahab as Symbolic Name for Egypt Isaiah leverages the same wordplay to confront Judah’s temptation to trust Egyptian cavalry instead of God’s promises. “Egypt’s help is vain and empty” (Isaiah 30:7). The proud empire, once the oppressor of Israel, is reduced to Rahab—loud but motionless, a boastful creature incapable of rescuing anyone. The prophet’s satire underscores a timeless truth: worldly strength minus obedience to the LORD is hollow. Theological Implications 1. Divine Supremacy: Rahab’s defeat affirms that the LORD alone governs the created order, including the unseen spiritual realm. Ministry Applications • Preaching: Rahab offers a vivid picture for sermons on pride, spiritual warfare, and God’s victory over chaos. Christological and Eschatological Trajectory Rahab foreshadows the ultimate subjugation of hostile powers accomplished at the cross. Just as God once “shattered Rahab,” so Jesus decisively disarmed principalities and will one day banish all rebellion (Revelation 19:11-21). The monster’s demise anticipates the final peace of the new creation, where sea-borne chaos is no more (Revelation 21:1). Related Biblical Themes Pride (Proverbs 16:18); Leviathan (Job 41:1); Exodus deliverance (Exodus 14:13-31); Trust versus alliances (Psalm 20:7; Isaiah 31:1). Summary רַהַב conveys proud resistance in poetic, cosmic, and political dimensions, yet every appearance of Rahab ends in humiliation before the LORD. The motif calls God’s people away from self-reliance and towards unwavering confidence in His unrivaled authority. Forms and Transliterations רַ֥הַב רָֽהַב׃ רהב רהב׃ ra·haḇ rā·haḇ rahaḇ rāhaḇ RahavLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 9:13 HEB: שָׁ֝חֲח֗וּ עֹ֣זְרֵי רָֽהַב׃ NAS: Him crouch the helpers of Rahab. KJV: his anger, the proud helpers INT: crouch the helpers of Rahab Job 26:12 Isaiah 30:7 3 Occurrences |
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