### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rahab**, represented by `{{H7293}}`, primarily conveys concepts of **bluster**, **pride**, or **strength**. It appears just **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, yet it carries a specific weight, often describing a defiant or arrogant power that stands in contrast to the authority of God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7293}}` is used to characterize forces that are ultimately subject to divine judgment. In the book of Job, it describes the **proud** whom God opposes, stating that by His understanding He "smiteth through the **proud**" [[Job 26:12]]. This theme is reinforced when it is said that "the **proud** helpers do stoop under him" [[Job 9:13]], illustrating that even mighty allies are humbled before God's unwithdrawn anger. In Isaiah, the term is applied to the nation of Egypt, whose power is exposed as ineffective. God declares of the Egyptians, "Their **strength** is to sit still" [[Isaiah 30:7]], framing their much-vaunted might as ultimately futile.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of pride and its consequences:
* `{{H3581}}` **kôach** (strength, power): This term for vigor or force is used to describe God's own power which He uses to overcome the **proud** `{{H7293}}` in [[Job 26:12]]. It establishes a direct contrast between divine strength and arrogant strength.
* `{{H5826}}` **ʻâzar** (help): This word for aid or succor appears in connection with futile efforts. The Egyptians offer help that is in vain [[Isaiah 30:7]], and the "proud **helpers**" are brought low before God [[Job 9:13]], showing that aid offered from a place of pride is worthless.
* `{{H7817}}` **shâchach** (stoop, bring low): This word describes the direct result of defiant pride. The "proud helpers" ultimately **stoop** under God [[Job 9:13]], signifying their submission and humbling in the face of His supreme authority.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7293}}` centers on the futility of opposing God.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The use of `{{H7293}}` in Job powerfully affirms God's absolute rule. No amount of proud strength or bluster can stand when God chooses to act, as He smites the proud and causes them to stoop ([[Job 26:12]], [[Job 9:13]]).
* **Futility of Human Power:** Isaiah's description of Egypt's "strength" (`rahab`) as amounting to "sit still" serves as a crucial theological lesson. It teaches that reliance on the power of nations or human might, rather than on God, leads to inaction and purposelessness [[Isaiah 30:7]].
* **Confrontation with Pride:** The word is consistently used in contexts of confrontation between God and arrogant forces. God's power is shown to divide the sea, and His understanding to crush pride, framing `rahab` as an antagonistic quality that God actively subdues [[Job 26:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7293}}` is a concise and potent term for arrogant strength and pride. Though used sparingly, it consistently serves to highlight the supremacy of God's power. It illustrates that whether it is the pride of powerful helpers or the might of a nation like Egypt, any strength that is defiant or relied upon apart from God is ultimately bluster that will be humbled and proven ineffective by divine authority.
TRV