רָחָב

רָחָב

Rachab, a Canaanitess

Definition

Rachab (Rahab) is the name of a Canaanite woman living in Jericho who plays a pivotal role in the Israelite conquest narrative. She is introduced as a prostitute (Joshua 2:1) who hides the Israelite spies sent by Joshua, protects them from the king of Jericho, and secures a covenant of safety for herself and her family (Joshua 2:3-21). Her faith and actions lead to her and her family's salvation when Jericho falls (Joshua 6:17, 6:23, 6:25). Remarkably, she is later celebrated in the New Testament as an example of faith (Hebrews 11:31) and righteous works (James 2:25), and is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).

Biblical Usage

The name Rachab is used exclusively in the book of Joshua, appearing five times. It is used to identify her personally and in the context of the covenant oath made with her. The narrative consistently portrays her as an active, faithful agent whose decisive actions contrast with the fear of the other inhabitants of Jericho. Key references are Joshua 2:1 (her introduction), Joshua 6:17 (the command to spare her), and Joshua 6:25 (the summary of her preservation).

Etymology

The proper noun רָחָב (Râchâb) is identical to the common adjective רָחָב (H7342), meaning 'broad,' 'wide,' or 'proud.' While the exact reason for her name is not stated in the biblical text, it may reflect a cultural name or, symbolically, hint at the 'broad' or inclusive nature of God's covenant, which extends beyond Israel to include faithful Gentiles.

Semantic Range

Rachab is a profoundly significant figure theologically. She embodies the themes of faith, grace, and the universal scope of God's redemption. As a Canaanite and a former prostitute, her inclusion highlights that salvation is based on faith in the God of Israel, not ethnic lineage. Her covenant with the spies prefigures the New Covenant, and her place in the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:5) underscores God's grace in weaving unlikely people into His redemptive plan. Her story challenges exclusivist attitudes and demonstrates that true faith produces courageous action. As a Canaanite woman in Jericho, Rachab belonged to a people group under God's judgment. Her profession as a prostitute placed her on the margins of her own society. In the ancient Near East, hospitality was a sacred duty, and her protection of the spies, while treasonous to Jericho, aligned with a higher allegiance to the God she recognized as supreme. Her use of a scarlet cord as a sign (Joshua 2:18) is a vivid cultural symbol of the blood-marked protection seen in the Passover. There are no direct synonyms for this proper name. Thematically, her story connects to other Gentile believers brought into Israel's story, such as Ruth (רוּת, H7327) — a Moabite woman who also becomes an ancestor of David and Jesus.

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