the same as רַהַב; Rahab (i.e. boaster), an epithet of Egypt; Rahab.
Transliteration:Rahab
Pronunciation:rah'-hab
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7294}}` (Rahab) functions primarily as a proper noun, yet its meaning is deeply rooted in the verbal root `{{H7293}}` (raháb), meaning "to be proud, insolent, arrogant, boisterous." Thus, Rahab inherently carries the semantic weight of pride, insolence, and perhaps a chaotic, unrestrained nature. While the base definition points to it as an epithet for Egypt, its usage in the Hebrew Bible extends beyond a mere geographical designation, encompassing symbolic and even mythological dimensions. It can denote:
1. **Egypt as a proud nation:** Specifically, Egypt characterized by its arrogance, self-reliance, and perceived invincibility, often standing in opposition to God's purposes.
2. **A primordial chaos monster:** In poetic and wisdom literature, Rahab is sometimes depicted as a mythical sea creature or dragon, representing the forces of chaos and rebellion that God subdued at creation or in His acts of salvation. This usage often parallels other chaotic figures like Leviathan or Tannin.
3. **A personification of pride/insolence:** The name itself encapsulates the very essence of the sin of pride, making Rahab a potent symbol of any power or entity that exalts itself against the divine order.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H7294}}` appears five times in the Masoretic Text, displaying a fascinating semantic range:
* **[[Isaiah 30:7]]:** "For Egypt's help is worthless and empty; therefore I have called her Rahab Who Sits Still." Here, Rahab is explicitly identified with Egypt. The epithet "Rahab Who Sits Still" (רַהַב הֵם שָׁבֶת) underscores Egypt's boastful but ultimately ineffective and passive nature. Despite its pride and grand claims, Egypt offers no true help to Judah, highlighting the futility of relying on human power rather than divine provision.
* **[[Psalm 87:4]]:** "I will mention Rahab and Babylon as among those who know me; Behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush—'This one was born there.'" In this psalm, Rahab is listed alongside other nations (Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, Cush/Ethiopia) as those who will ultimately acknowledge Zion and be counted among her inhabitants. Here, Rahab clearly refers to Egypt, suggesting a future ingathering of nations, including Israel's former oppressor, into the fold of God's people.
* **[[Psalm 89:10]]:** "You crushed Rahab like a carcass; with your strong arm you scattered your enemies." This verse presents Rahab not as a nation, but as a formidable, almost mythological, foe. The imagery of crushing "like a carcass" evokes a decisive victory over a powerful, perhaps chaotic, entity. This is often interpreted as a reference to God's triumph over the forces of chaos at creation (similar to the taming of the primeval waters) or His defeat of Egypt at the Exodus, which itself had cosmic implications. The defeat of Rahab here demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty and power.
* **[[Job 9:13]]:** "God will not turn back His anger; the helpers of Rahab bowed under Him." Similar to Psalm 89:10, Rahab here signifies a cosmic or mythical entity associated with immense power that ultimately yields to God's might. The "helpers of Rahab" suggests subordinate forces or allies of this chaotic power, all of whom are subdued by God's wrath. This reinforces the theme of God's unchallengeable supremacy over all creation, visible and invisible.
* **[[Job 26:12]]:** "By his power he stilled the sea; by his understanding he struck down Rahab." This passage explicitly links the defeat of Rahab with God's mastery over the sea, further solidifying the interpretation of Rahab as a symbol of primordial chaos or a sea monster. This echoes creation narratives where God imposes order on the watery deep, and also the Exodus event where the Red Sea was parted, symbolizing God's triumph over a chaotic force (Egypt) and a chaotic element (the sea).
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H7294}}` Rahab is enriched by its connections to several key Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{H7293}}` (raháb):** The verbal root meaning "to be proud, insolent, boisterous." This is the direct etymological source for Rahab, underscoring the inherent pride and arrogance associated with the entity.
* **`{{H7292}}` (róhab):** The noun derived from the same root, meaning "pride, insolence." This further emphasizes the core characteristic of Rahab.
* **Chaos Monsters:** Rahab is often paralleled with other mythical or symbolic representations of chaos and rebellion against God, such as:
* **Tannin (תַּנִּין):** Often translated as "dragon" or "sea monster" (e.g., [[Isaiah 27:1]], [[Ezekiel 29:3]], [[Psalm 74:13]]).
* **Leviathan (לִוְיָתָן, `{{H3882}}`):** A powerful sea creature, a symbol of cosmic chaos (e.g., [[Psalm 74:14]], [[Job 41:1]], [[Isaiah 27:1]]).
The defeat of these figures, including Rahab, speaks to God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation, even its most untamed and rebellious aspects.
* **Egypt:** As the primary referent for Rahab, Egypt itself becomes a symbol of worldly power, human pride, and opposition to God's people and plans. The Exodus narrative is the foundational event demonstrating God's triumph over this "Rahab."
* **Pride (גָּאוֹן, `{{H1346}}`; גַּאֲוָה, `{{H1347}}`):** The concept of pride is central to Rahab's identity. The Bible consistently portrays pride as an abomination to the Lord and a precursor to destruction (e.g., [[Proverbs 16:18]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7294}}` Rahab is multifaceted, revealing profound truths about God's character and His relationship with creation and humanity:
1. **God's Absolute Sovereignty:** The consistent portrayal of Rahab as a subdued entity—whether a proud nation or a cosmic monster—highlights God's supreme power. He is the one who "crushed Rahab" and "struck down Rahab," demonstrating His unchallengeable authority over all forces, both human and mythical, that oppose His will. This affirms His role as Creator and Sustainer, who brings order out of chaos.
2. **The Futility of Human Pride and Self-Reliance:** Rahab, as an epithet for Egypt, serves as a powerful theological warning against relying on human strength, political alliances, or worldly wisdom rather than on God. The "Rahab Who Sits Still" in Isaiah underscores that even the most formidable human powers are ultimately "worthless and empty" when compared to God's might.
3. **God as Deliverer and Redeemer:** The defeat of Rahab, particularly in its association with the sea and Egypt, evokes the Exodus event—God's mighty act of deliverance for His people. This act not only freed Israel from bondage but also demonstrated God's power over the forces of chaos and oppression, establishing Him as the ultimate Redeemer.
4. **Cosmic Order and Divine Victory:** The imagery of God subduing Rahab (the sea monster/chaos) reinforces the theological truth that God is the one who establishes and maintains cosmic order. He did not merely create the world but actively governs it, triumphing over all that threatens to plunge it back into primordial chaos. This provides assurance of God's ultimate victory over evil and disorder.
5. **Inclusion of the Nations:** The mention of Rahab (Egypt) in [[Psalm 87:4]] as a nation that will acknowledge Zion offers a glimpse of God's redemptive plan extending beyond Israel to encompass the nations, even those historically opposed to Him. This foreshadows a future where divine grace transcends national and historical enmity.
### Summary
The Hebrew term `{{H7294}}` (Rahab) is a powerful and multi-layered word. Etymologically rooted in the concept of pride and insolence, it functions primarily as an epithet for Egypt, symbolizing that nation's arrogance and self-reliance. However, in poetic and wisdom literature, Rahab transcends this literal designation to embody a primordial chaos monster or a personification of rebellious forces, often associated with the sea. Across all its occurrences, Rahab consistently represents an entity that opposes God's will and power. Its repeated defeat by God, whether depicted as the crushing of a monster or the rendering of a proud nation ineffective, serves as a profound theological statement. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, the futility of human pride and self-reliance, and His unwavering role as the ultimate Deliverer who brings order out of chaos and triumphs over all opposition.
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