of Hebrew origin (רָחָב); Raab (i.e. Rachab), a Canaanitess:--Rahab. See also Ῥαχάβ.
Transliteration:Rhaáb
Pronunciation:hrah-ab'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Ῥαάβ (Rhaáb), Strong's number `{{G4460}}`, is a proper noun derived directly from the Hebrew רָחָב (Rachab), Strong's number `{{H7343}}`. The Hebrew root of this name means "wide," "broad," or "spacious." However, as a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed, referring exclusively to the specific Canaanite woman, Rahab, who resided in Jericho during the Israelite conquest. Her identity as a "harlot" or "innkeeper" (depending on interpretation of the Hebrew term) is an intrinsic part of her biblical portrayal, highlighting the remarkable nature of her inclusion in sacred history.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Ῥαάβ appears three times in the New Testament, each instance underscoring a distinct aspect of her significance:
* **[[Matthew 1:5]]**: Rahab is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Her inclusion is highly significant, as she is one of only four women explicitly named in Matthew's lineage (alongside Tamar, Ruth, and the wife of Uriah), and notably, a Gentile. This highlights the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that God's grace extends beyond ethnic boundaries and social stigmas, incorporating those from unexpected backgrounds into the messianic line.
* **[[Hebrews 11:31]]**: In the "Hall of Faith" chapter, Rahab is commended for her faith: "By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with those who were disobedient, having received the spies with peace." Her act of hiding the Israelite spies is presented as a direct manifestation of her faith in the God of Israel, despite her Canaanite heritage and the imminent destruction of her city. This verse emphasizes that her belief led to salvific action, distinguishing her from the unbelieving inhabitants of Jericho.
* **[[James 2:25]]**: James uses Rahab as a prime example to illustrate the relationship between faith and works: "And in the same way was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?" Here, her actions—receiving and protecting the spies—are presented as the evidence and completion of her faith, demonstrating that true faith is never barren but always produces obedience. Her justification is shown to be not merely a declaration based on belief, but one evidenced by her concrete deeds.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Ῥαάβ naturally connects to several key biblical words and concepts:
* **`{{H7343}}` (Rachab)**: The Hebrew original of her name, found primarily in the book of Joshua, which details her story.
* **Faith (πίστις, `{{G4102}}`)**: Central to the discussion in Hebrews 11, Rahab exemplifies a faith that trusts God's promises and acts accordingly.
* **Works (ἔργον, `{{G2041}}`)**: Emphasized in James 2, her actions demonstrate that genuine faith is active and leads to obedience.
* **Justification (δικαιόω, `{{G1344}}`)**: James 2:25 explicitly states she was "justified by works," illustrating the outworking of saving faith.
* **Gentile Inclusion**: Her presence in Matthew's genealogy foreshadows the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile in the New Covenant.
* **Grace (χάρις, `{{G5485}}`)**: Rahab's story powerfully illustrates God's unmerited favor, selecting and transforming an individual from a marginalized background for His divine purposes.
* **Redemption**: Her narrative is a microcosm of God's redemptive work, bringing salvation to the unexpected.
### Theological Significance
Rahab's story, as presented in the New Testament, carries profound theological weight. Firstly, her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ in [[Matthew 1:5]] is a powerful testament to God's expansive and inclusive redemptive plan. It signifies that God's salvation is not limited by ethnicity, social status, or past sin, but extends to all who believe. She stands as a precursor to the Gentile inclusion that would fully blossom in the New Covenant.
Secondly, Rahab serves as a paradigmatic example of saving faith. [[Hebrews 11:31]] highlights that her faith was not a passive assent but an active trust in God that led to courageous action, distinguishing her from the perishing unbelievers. This faith, though imperfect and born out of a desperate situation, was genuine and acknowledged by God.
Thirdly, her story in [[James 2:25]] is crucial for understanding the dynamic relationship between faith and works. Rahab's actions—receiving the spies and sending them out by another way—were not a means of earning salvation but were the *evidence* and *fruit* of her inner conviction. She demonstrates that true faith is always active and finds expression in obedience, thus validating her justification. Her life is a living commentary on the truth that faith without works is dead.
Finally, Rahab's transformation from a Canaanite harlot to an ancestress of the Messiah underscores the radical nature of God's grace and His ability to use even the most unlikely individuals for His sovereign purposes. She embodies the transformative power of divine grace, offering hope and encouragement to all who feel disqualified by their past.
### Summary
The Greek word Ῥαάβ (Rhaáb), Strong's number `{{G4460}}`, refers to the renowned Canaanite woman, Rahab, whose narrative is central to understanding key New Testament themes. Appearing in the genealogies of Christ ([[Matthew 1:5]]), the "Hall of Faith" ([[Hebrews 11:31]]), and the discussion on faith and works ([[James 2:25]]), Rahab's life powerfully illustrates God's inclusive grace, the active nature of saving faith, and the inseparable link between faith and its outworking in obedience. Her story stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that God's redemptive plan transcends social, ethnic, and moral boundaries, inviting all who believe into His transformative purpose.
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