Hebrews 11:31

By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

By faith {G4102} the harlot {G4204} Rahab {G4460} perished {G4881} not {G3756} with them that believed not {G544}, when she had received {G1209} the spies {G2685} with {G3326} peace {G1515}.

By trusting, Rachav the prostitute welcomed the spies and therefore did not die along with those who were disobedient.

By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient.

By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, having received the spies with peace.

Hebrews 11:31 celebrates the remarkable faith of Rahab, a Gentile woman from Jericho, placing her among the Old Testament heroes of faith. This verse highlights that her salvation from destruction was a direct result of her belief, contrasting her destiny with those in her city who did not believe.

Context of Rahab's Faith

The Book of Hebrews, particularly chapter 11, presents a "Hall of Faith," cataloging individuals who demonstrated extraordinary trust in God. Rahab's inclusion is striking, as she was a "harlot" (prostitute) and a resident of Jericho, a city devoted to destruction by God. The historical narrative is found in the Book of Joshua, where Joshua sent two spies to scout the city before the Israelite invasion. Rahab, despite her background and nationality, recognized the power of the God of Israel and chose to align herself with His people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Active Faith and Salvation: Rahab's faith was not passive; it was demonstrated through her actions. She "received the spies with peace," meaning she welcomed them, hid them, and helped them escape, even at great personal risk. This active trust led to her being "perished not," highlighting salvation as a result of faith in God's plan, even for those outside the covenant people. Her story powerfully illustrates that faith without works is dead (James 2:26).
  • Divine Inclusion and Grace: Rahab's inclusion in this list of faith heroes underscores God's boundless grace and willingness to save anyone who turns to Him, regardless of their past or social standing. A Canaanite harlot is saved while her morally upright (by human standards) countrymen perish, demonstrating that God looks at the heart and belief. Her lineage is even included in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, a testament to God's redemptive work.
  • Contrast of Belief: The verse sharply contrasts Rahab, who "believed," with "them that believed not." The destruction of Jericho (Joshua 6:20-21) served as a judgment against unbelief, while Rahab's preservation was a testament to the saving power of faith.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "perished not" (from the Greek ouk synapoleto) emphasizes her preservation from the general destruction that befell Jericho. Her act of receiving the spies "with peace" (Greek: meta eirenes) signifies a welcoming disposition and a commitment to their safety, which ultimately saved her and her household. It implies a recognition of the God of Israel and a willingness to cooperate with His purposes.

Practical Application

Rahab's story in Hebrews 11:31 offers profound encouragement. It teaches us that:

  • God's grace extends to all, regardless of past sins or social stigma. No one is beyond the reach of His redemptive love.
  • True faith is active and results in actions that align with God's will, even when those actions are difficult or risky.
  • Trusting God, even in uncertain or dangerous circumstances, leads to security and salvation.

Her example reminds us that faith is about recognizing God's power and choosing to trust and obey Him, leading to a destiny different from those who reject Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • James 2:25

    Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent [them] out another way?

  • Joshua 6:22

    But Joshua had said unto the two men that had spied out the country, Go into the harlot's house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her.

  • Joshua 6:25

    And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel [even] unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

  • Matthew 1:5

    And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

  • Joshua 2:1

    ¶ And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.

  • Joshua 2:24

    And they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.

  • Matthew 1:1

    ¶ The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

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