### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Ῥαχάβ (Rhacháb), Strong's G4477, is a proper noun, serving as the transliteration of the Hebrew name `{{H7343}}` (Rachab). The Hebrew root from which the name derives signifies "broad" or "wide." As a proper noun, its primary semantic function is to identify a specific historical individual: Rahab, the Canaanite woman of Jericho. Therefore, its semantic range is narrowly defined, referring exclusively to this person. The significance of the name lies not in its etymological meaning in this context, but in the character and actions of the woman it designates within biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Ῥαχάβ (Rhacháb) appears three times in the Greek New Testament, consistently referring to the Rahab of Jericho. Her story originates in the Old Testament book of Joshua.
1. **[[Matthew 1:5]]**: Rahab is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. She is identified as the mother of Boaz by Salmon. Her inclusion in the Messiah's lineage is highly significant, as she was a Canaanite and, according to Joshua 2, a prostitute. This highlights God's sovereign plan to include Gentiles and those from unconventional backgrounds in the line of the Savior, demonstrating His expansive grace.
2. **[[Hebrews 11:31]]**: Rahab is celebrated in the "hall of faith" alongside other Old Testament heroes. The text states, "By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies." This verse underscores that her salvation was not due to her ethnicity or social standing, but to her active faith in the God of Israel, demonstrated by her actions. Her faith is presented as a paradigm of trust that leads to deliverance.
3. **[[James 2:25]]**: Rahab is cited as an example of faith demonstrated through works. "And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?" James uses her as a prime illustration that genuine faith is never barren but always produces fruit in the form of righteous actions. Her "works" were the direct outflow of her belief in the power and truth of the God of Israel, aligning with the concept that faith without works is dead.
Across these occurrences, Rahab consistently serves as a powerful testament to God's redemptive grace, the nature of true faith, and the inclusion of outsiders into God's covenant purposes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew equivalent `{{H7343}}` (Rachab), which is the source of the Greek transliteration. Beyond this direct lexical link, the study of Ῥαχάβ (Rhacháb) connects to several crucial biblical concepts:
* **Faith (πίστις, `{{G4102}}`):** Rahab's story is a foundational example of active, saving faith in both Hebrews and James. Her belief in the God of Israel's power and promises led to concrete, risky actions.
* **Justification (δικαιόω, `{{G1344}}`):** James explicitly states she was "justified by works," which, when understood in context with Paul's teaching on justification by faith, illustrates that works are the *evidence* of genuine faith, not its *basis*.
* **Grace (χάρις, `{{G5485}}`):** Rahab, a Canaanite and a prostitute, was an unlikely candidate for inclusion in God's people and the Messiah's lineage. Her story powerfully demonstrates the unmerited favor of God extending beyond ethnic and social boundaries.
* **Gentile Inclusion:** Her presence in Christ's genealogy foreshadows the New Covenant reality where Gentiles are brought into the family of God through faith.
* **Covenant:** Rahab's interaction with the spies involved a covenant of protection for her and her family, sealed by the scarlet cord. This highlights the importance of divine promises and human response.
* **Transformation:** Her life exemplifies radical transformation, moving from a life of sin in a condemned city to becoming an ancestor of the Messiah and a hero of faith.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Ῥαχάβ (Rhacháb) is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Grace:** Rahab's story is a compelling narrative of God's sovereign choice and abounding grace. He chose a Canaanite prostitute in a city marked for destruction to be an instrument of His plan and an ancestor of the Messiah. This underscores that God's redemptive work is not limited by human conventions, social status, or past sins.
2. **The Nature of True Faith:** Rahab serves as a paradigm of active, living faith. Her belief in the God of Israel was not merely intellectual assent but was demonstrated through courageous action (hiding the spies, defying her own people). Her story in Hebrews 11 and James 2 teaches that genuine faith is always evidenced by obedience and works, not as a means to earn salvation, but as the inevitable fruit of a transformed heart.
3. **Inclusion of the Outsider:** Rahab's prominent place in the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1) symbolically prefigures the inclusion of Gentiles into the family of God through Christ. She represents the universal scope of God's salvation, breaking down barriers of ethnicity and social standing. Her story foreshadows the New Covenant reality where all who believe, regardless of background, become part of God's people.
4. **God's Justice and Mercy:** The fall of Jericho was an act of divine judgment against a wicked people. Yet, within this judgment, God extended mercy to Rahab and her family because of her faith, demonstrating that His justice is always tempered by His grace towards those who turn to Him.
### Summary
The Greek word Ῥαχάβ (Rhacháb), G4477, refers exclusively to Rahab, the Canaanite woman of Jericho. Though a Gentile and a prostitute, her story is pivotal in both the Old and New Testaments. She is celebrated in the New Testament as an exemplary figure of active faith (Hebrews 11) and as an illustration of faith demonstrated through works (James 2). Her inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1) underscores God's radical grace, His sovereign plan to include Gentiles in His redemptive history, and the transformative power of faith that transcends social and ethnic barriers. Rahab's life stands as a powerful testament to the truth that salvation is by grace through faith, a faith that inevitably expresses itself in obedience and good works.
TRV