or רְחֹבֹת; plural of רְחֹב; streets; Rechoboth, a place in Assyria and one in Palestine; Rehoboth.
Transliteration:Rᵉchôbôwth
Pronunciation:rekh-o-both'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term רְחֹבוֹת (Rᵉchôbôwth, `{{H7344}}`) is primarily a plural form of the noun רְחֹב (rechob, `{{H7339}}`). The singular form denotes a "broad place," "street," or "public square," often referring to an open area within or near a city. Consequently, רְחֹבוֹת literally translates to "broad places" or "streets."
Beyond its literal meaning, רְחֹבוֹת functions as a proper noun in the biblical text, designating two distinct geographical locations:
1. **Rehoboth-Ir (רְחֹבֹת עִיר):** A city mentioned in the context of Nimrod's kingdom in Assyria. The suffix "Ir" (עִיר) means "city," so the name can be understood as "streets of the city" or "broad places of the city," suggesting a significant urban center with expansive thoroughfares.
2. **Rehoboth:** A well dug by Isaac in the Negeb, named for the spaciousness and freedom from contention it represented. Here, the name carries a profound symbolic weight, directly reflecting the underlying semantic range of "broadness," "room," or "enlargement." The root verb for these terms is רָחַב (rachav, `{{H7337}}`), meaning "to be wide, broad, or enlarged." Thus, the name encapsulates the concept of divine provision and expansion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term רְחֹבוֹת (Rᵉchôbôwth, `{{H7344}}`) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance carrying distinct contextual significance:
1. **[[Genesis 10:11]]:** "From that land he went forth into Assyria and built Nineveh, and Rehoboth-Ir, and Calah, and Resen between Nineveh and Calah; that is the great city."
Here, Rehoboth-Ir (רְחֹבֹת עִיר) is listed as one of the cities built by Nimrod, a mighty hunter and the founder of a significant kingdom. In this context, "Rehoboth-Ir" likely refers to a large, possibly sprawling urban center, emphasizing its physical expanse or the breadth of its streets. It is part of a list of powerful, human-established cities, reflecting human ambition and capability in building vast civilizations. The name itself, "broad places of the city," hints at the scale and development of Nimrod's urban endeavors.
2. **[[Genesis 26:22]]:** "And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it; so he named it Rehoboth, for he said, 'Now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.'"
This is perhaps the most theologically resonant occurrence. Isaac, having faced repeated contention from the Philistines over wells he dug, finally finds a place where he is unmolested. He names this well "Rehoboth" (רְחֹבוֹת). His accompanying declaration, "Now the LORD has made room for us (כִּי עַתָּה הִרְחִיב יְהוָה לָנוּ), and we shall be fruitful in the land," explicitly links the name to the concept of divine enlargement and spaciousness. The verb הִרְחִיב (hirchiv), from the root רָחַב (rachav, `{{H7337}}`), meaning "to make wide/broad/enlarge," directly underpins the naming. This act signifies a moment of divine favor, peace, and the promise of fruitfulness and multiplication, fulfilling the covenant blessings given to Abraham.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the singular noun רְחֹב (rechob, `{{H7339}}`), from which רְחֹבוֹת (Rᵉchôbôwth, `{{H7344}}`) is derived. This singular form is widely used throughout the Old Testament to refer to "streets," "public squares," or "broad places" within cities (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 13:16]], [[Proverbs 1:20]], [[Jeremiah 5:1]]).
The semantic field of רְחֹבוֹת is closely tied to the verbal root רָחַב (rachav, `{{H7337}}`), meaning "to be wide, broad, or spacious," and its denominative adjective רָחָב (rachav, `{{H7338}}`), meaning "wide" or "broad." These words collectively convey ideas of:
* **Spaciousness and Enlargement:** A physical or metaphorical expansion, providing ample room.
* **Freedom and Deliverance:** Being released from constraint, distress, or narrow circumstances. This contrasts with concepts of צָרָה (tsarah, `{{H6869}}`), "distress" or "narrowness."
* **Prosperity and Blessing:** The ability to flourish and multiply due to favorable conditions. This links to the concept of בְּרָכָה (berakah, `{{H1293}}`), "blessing."
* **Peace and Security:** A state free from conflict and threat, allowing for unhindered growth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of רְחֹבוֹת (Rᵉchôbôwth, `{{H7344}}`) is most profoundly revealed in Isaac's naming of the well in [[Genesis 26:22]]. This act serves as a powerful theological statement about God's character and His covenant faithfulness:
1. **Divine Provision and Grace:** Isaac's declaration, "Now the LORD has made room for us," highlights God as the ultimate provider of space, peace, and opportunity. In a context of repeated conflict over resources, Rehoboth signifies God's active intervention to create a place of unhindered flourishing for His servant. It is a testament to God's gracious hand opening doors where human effort met resistance.
2. **Fulfillment of Covenant Promises:** The ability to be "fruitful in the land" directly echoes the Abrahamic covenant's promise of abundant offspring and possession of the land ([[Genesis 12:2]], [[Genesis 13:16]]). Rehoboth, therefore, becomes a tangible sign that God is indeed fulfilling His promises to Isaac, enabling him to multiply and prosper even amidst adversity.
3. **Symbol of Deliverance from Adversity:** The naming of Rehoboth marks a turning point for Isaac, moving from contention and strife to peace and spaciousness. It symbolizes God's deliverance of His people from confining circumstances and hostile opposition, leading them into a place of rest and abundance. This narrative provides a prototype for God's consistent pattern of making "room" for His people in their trials.
4. **Metaphor for Spiritual Liberty:** Beyond the physical well, "Rehoboth" can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual liberty and expansive grace that God grants to believers. Just as Isaac found a place of unhindered growth, so too does God provide a "broad place" for His people to thrive spiritually, free from the constraints of sin and the enemy.
### Summary
רְחֹבוֹת (Rᵉchôbôwth, `{{H7344}}`) literally means "broad places" or "streets," deriving from the singular noun רְחֹב (rechob, `{{H7339}}`). As a proper noun, it identifies two distinct locations in the Bible. In [[Genesis 10:11]], Rehoboth-Ir is listed as a city in Nimrod's Assyrian kingdom, likely denoting a physically expansive urban center. However, its most significant theological resonance comes from [[Genesis 26:22]], where Isaac names a well "Rehoboth" because "the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land." This act transforms the name into a profound symbol of divine provision, deliverance from contention, and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises of fruitfulness and expansion. Thus, while literally referring to physical spaciousness, Rehoboth ultimately points to God's gracious act of providing ample room for His people to thrive, both physically and spiritually.
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