Ῥαάβ
Rahab
Definition
Ῥαάβ (Rahab) refers specifically to the Canaanite woman from Jericho who protected the Israelite spies (Joshua 2:1-21). In the New Testament, she is presented as a model of faith and works. In Hebrews 11:31, she is commended for her faith demonstrated by welcoming the spies in peace. In James 2:25, her actions in sending the spies away by another route are cited as evidence of her righteousness being completed by works, alongside her faith.
Biblical Usage
The name Ῥαάβ appears only twice in the New Testament, both times referring to the same historical figure from the Old Testament. It is used in two distinct theological contexts: in Hebrews 11:31 within the 'Hall of Faith' to exemplify saving faith that leads to deliverance, and in James 2:25 as a prime example of how genuine faith is demonstrated and perfected through corresponding actions.
Etymology
Ῥαάβ is a direct Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name רָחָב (Rāḥāḇ, H7343). The Hebrew root likely means 'broad,' 'spacious,' or 'wide,' though its exact semantic connection to the person is uncertain. The Greek form is a phonetic adoption used to refer to this specific individual.
Semantic Range
Rahab is a profoundly significant figure theologically. She represents God's grace extending beyond Israel to Gentiles, foreshadowing the inclusion of all nations in the covenant. Her story underscores the unity of faith and works in salvation, a key point in the James vs. Paul debate on justification. Understanding her as a named example in both Hebrews and James highlights how God honors transformative faith, regardless of a person's past or ethnicity, and enriches our view of biblical heroines.
As a Canaanite and a former prostitute (Joshua 2:1), Rahab belonged to a people destined for destruction under the Israelite conquest. In her ancient Near Eastern context, her actions constituted treason against her city and king. Her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5) and her celebration in the NT would have been startling to first-century readers, challenging ethnic and moral assumptions about who qualifies as a recipient of God's favor.
There are no direct synonyms for this proper noun. Theologically, her example of faith is linked to: πίστις (pistis, G4102) — the general noun for 'faith' which she exemplifies; and ἔργα (erga, G2041) — 'works,' which James uses her story to illustrate.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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