Lexical Summary Rahab: Rahab Original Word: רַהַב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Rahab The same as rahab; Rahab (i.e. Boaster), an epithet of Egypt -- Rahab. see HEBREW rahab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom rahab Definition "storm," a name for Eg. NASB Translation Rahab (2). Topical Lexicon OverviewRahab (רַהַב) appears only three times, each in poetic or prophetic passages. It functions as a vivid title for forces that exalt themselves against God—most obviously Egypt, but also the chaotic power symbolized by a sea-monster. The word therefore bridges concrete history (the Exodus) and cosmic theology (God’s mastery over chaos). Scriptural Occurrences Psalm 87:4 “I will mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me …”. Psalm 89:10 “You crushed Rahab like a carcass; You scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.”. Isaiah 51:9 “Was it not You who chopped Rahab in pieces, who pierced the monster through?”. Rahab as Egypt Prophets and psalmists use Rahab as a nickname for Egypt, the archetype of oppressive pride. By recalling the Red Sea victory, they transform Egypt’s military arrogance into a theological lesson: no earthly power, however sophisticated, can stand when the LORD rises to defend His covenant people. Rahab as Chaos Monster Ancient Near Eastern myth imagined primordial dragons battling the gods. Scripture appropriates that imagery to declare Yahweh’s unrivaled sovereignty. In Psalm 89 the crushing of Rahab is placed alongside creation itself, showing that the One who split the seas at creation also split the sea for Israel. The monster is a creature, not a rival deity; its defeat is effortless for the LORD. Theological Themes • Divine Sovereignty—Rahab’s shattering proves that the LORD alone rules both history and nature. Historical Significance The exodus events supply the real-world anchor for the Rahab imagery. Pharaoh’s drowning is recast as God “chopping Rahab in pieces,” ensuring that Israel’s national memory always links salvation history with creation power. Ministry Application 1. Assurance in Trial: Knowing that God once crushed Rahab emboldens believers facing modern “empires,” whether political, cultural, or spiritual. Christological Fulfillment Isaiah’s plea for the aroused “arm of the LORD” is ultimately answered in Jesus Christ, whose death and resurrection constitute the decisive blow against every form of Rahab. Thus the word points forward to the final subjugation of chaos, rebellion, and death—assuring the church that the God who once crushed Rahab will consummate His triumph in the new heaven and new earth. Forms and Transliterations רַ֖הַב רַ֥הַב רָ֑הַב 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 Psalm 87:4 HEB: אַזְכִּ֤יר ׀ רַ֥הַב וּבָבֶ֗ל לְֽיֹ֫דְעָ֥י NAS: I shall mention Rahab and Babylon KJV: I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon INT: shall mention Rahab and Babylon know Psalm 89:10 Isaiah 51:9 3 Occurrences |
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