Lexical Summary rahab: To act stormily, to be proud, to behave arrogantly Original Word: רָהָב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance proud From rahab; insolent -- proud. see HEBREW rahab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom rahab Definition proud, defiant NASB Translation proud (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [רָהָב] adjective proud, deflant (si vera lectio); — plural אֶלרְֿהָבִים Psalm 40:5 unto the proud; but read probably הבלים (compare ᵐ5 ματαιότητας). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Concept רָהָב describes people marked by arrogant self-confidence, swagger, and self-importance—those who trust their own ability, reputation, or resources rather than the Lord. While other Hebrew terms often render “pride,” רָהָב nuances the noisy bravado and inflated boasting that tempt the righteous to seek human approval instead of divine help. Biblical Occurrence (Psalm 40:4) “Blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, who has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.” David contrasts wholehearted reliance on the Lord with any association that would transfer trust to boastful men. The psalmist presents רָהָב as a spiritual hazard: aligning with braggarts ultimately leads to “falsehood,” a path that severs the blessing promised to those who cling to Yahweh. Theological Significance 1. Warning against misplaced allegiance. Turning toward the רָהָב means absorbing their worldview of self-exaltation. Scripture consistently portrays pride as the fountainhead of rebellion (Genesis 3:5; Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6). Historical and Cultural Context Ancient Near Eastern society prized honor and public reputation; powerful patrons often boasted of exploits to secure loyalty. David exhorts covenant believers to resist that cultural pull. The term רָהָב thus confronts Israel’s temptation to forge alliances with swaggering leaders—whether Philistine champions (1 Samuel 17), foreign emperors (2 Kings 18–19), or the wealthy elite within Israel itself (Psalm 52:7). Cross-References and Parallels • Proverbs 21:24 — “Proud and arrogant man—mocker is his name.” Ministry and Discipleship Applications 1. Discernment in mentorship. Counsel believers to choose spiritual models marked by humility, not charisma alone. Conclusion רָהָב stands as a vivid reminder that only humble trust in the Lord secures blessing. By avoiding the contagion of arrogant companions and anchoring hope in God’s steadfast love, believers follow the Psalmist’s path from pit to praise. Forms and Transliterations רְ֝הָבִ֗ים רהבים rə·hā·ḇîm rəhāḇîm rehaVimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 40:4 HEB: פָנָ֥ה אֶל־ רְ֝הָבִ֗ים וְשָׂטֵ֥י כָזָֽב׃ NAS: And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse KJV: and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside INT: turned to the proud lapse falsehood 1 Occurrence |
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