or רְחַבְיָהוּ; from רָחַב and יָהּ; Jah has enlarged; Rechabjah, an Israelite; Rehabiah.
Transliteration:Rᵉchabyâh
Pronunciation:rekh-ab-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun `{{H7345}}` (Rᵉchabyâh) is a theophoric name, meaning it incorporates a divine element. It is derived from two components: the verb `{{H7337}}` (râchab), meaning "to be or grow wide, large, spacious," and `{{H3050}}` (Yah), a shortened form of the divine name YHWH. Thus, the name literally translates to "Jah has enlarged" or "YHWH has made wide/spacious." The semantic range, while primarily tied to its function as a personal name, inherently carries the theological weight of its etymology. "Enlargement" or "spaciousness" in a biblical context often connotes blessing, prosperity, freedom from constraint, or an increase in numbers, particularly in the context of progeny.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H7345}}` (Rᵉchabyâh) appears exclusively in the book of 1 Chronicles, identifying a specific individual within the Levitical genealogies. Rehabiah is identified as the son of Eliezer, who was himself a son of Moses. This places Rehabiah in a significant lineage, connecting him directly to the foundational figure of the Mosaic covenant.
* In [[1 Chronicles 23:17]], Rehabiah is mentioned as Eliezer's only son, and notably, it states: "The sons of Eliezer were Rehabiah the chief; and Eliezer had no other sons, but the sons of Rehabiah were very many." The phrase "very many" (רַב מְאֹד, *rav mĕ'od*) directly and powerfully illustrates the meaning of his name, "Jah has enlarged." This detail is not merely a genealogical record but a divine commentary on the fruitfulness and expansion of his lineage, attributed implicitly to God's blessing.
* [[1 Chronicles 24:21]] lists "Of Rehabiah: Isshiah the chief," indicating a prominent descendant within his line, further underscoring the continued significance of his family.
* [[1 Chronicles 26:25]] again names Rehabiah as a son of Eliezer, followed by a list of his descendants, reinforcing the emphasis on the numerousness of his progeny within the Levitical families responsible for the treasury of the house of God.
The consistent emphasis on the multitude of Rehabiah's descendants within these genealogical records highlights the divine fulfillment of the meaning embedded in his name. It serves as a testament to God's power to grant fruitfulness and expansion, even from a single son, as was the case with Eliezer.
### Related Words & Concepts
The core of `{{H7345}}` lies in `{{H7337}}` (râchab), "to be wide, large, spacious." This root is used extensively in the Old Testament to describe various forms of "enlargement" or "broadness." For instance, God is said to "enlarge" one's steps (e.g., [[Psalm 18:36]]) or "make room" for His people, bringing them into a "broad place" (e.g., [[Psalm 31:8]], [[Hosea 4:16]]). This concept often signifies deliverance from distress, prosperity, or a state of blessing. Related nominal forms include `{{H7340}}` (rōḥab), "breadth" or "width," and `{{H7342}}` (râchâb), "wide, broad."
The divine element `{{H3050}}` (Yah) connects the meaning directly to the sovereign action of God. It links Rehabiah's fruitfulness not to human effort or chance, but to the direct intervention and blessing of YHWH. This ties into broader biblical concepts such as:
* **Divine Blessing and Fruitfulness:** The recurring promise of numerous descendants, particularly to the patriarchs (e.g., Abraham in [[Genesis 12:2]], [[Genesis 15:5]]).
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** God's commitment to multiply His people and fulfill His promises.
* **Sovereignty over Life:** The understanding that God is the ultimate giver of life and the one who opens and closes the womb (e.g., [[Genesis 30:2]], [[1 Samuel 2:5]]).
### Theological Significance
The name `{{H7345}}` (Rᵉchabyâh) is a profound theological statement in itself: "Jah has enlarged." Its significance is amplified by the biblical text's explicit mention that Rehabiah's descendants were "very many." This is not merely a descriptive name but a declarative one, testifying to God's active role in the life and lineage of His people.
Theologically, Rehabiah's name and the accompanying narrative affirm several key truths:
1. **God as the Source of Blessing:** The name attributes the blessing of numerous offspring directly to YHWH. It underscores that fruitfulness and increase are ultimately gifts from God, not achievements of human endeavor.
2. **Divine Faithfulness to Promises:** The multiplication of Rehabiah's line, a descendant of Moses, echoes the broader divine promise to multiply Israel and fulfill His covenant. Even for a branch of Moses' family, who himself did not enter the Promised Land, God's promise of enlargement and blessing remained active.
3. **Theological Naming:** The practice of naming children to reflect divine attributes or actions was common in Israel. Rehabiah's name serves as a perpetual reminder within his lineage and for the wider community of God's power to "enlarge" and provide.
4. **Providential Care within Genealogies:** The detailed genealogical records in Chronicles are not dry lists but convey theological meaning. They demonstrate God's meticulous care for His people and His fulfillment of promises across generations, showcasing His hand in the unfolding of history.
### Summary
The Hebrew name `{{H7345}}` (Rᵉchabyâh) directly translates to "Jah has enlarged," a powerful theological statement affirming God's sovereignty over fruitfulness and prosperity. As the son of Eliezer, Moses' son, Rehabiah is featured in the Levitical genealogies of 1 Chronicles. Crucially, the biblical text explicitly notes that "the sons of Rehabiah were very many" ([[1 Chronicles 23:17]]), serving as a direct textual illustration and confirmation of the name's meaning. This demonstrates God's active role in multiplying the descendants of His servants. The word study of `{{H7345}}` thus reveals a deep theological truth: God is the ultimate source of "enlargement," whether in terms of progeny, blessing, or deliverance, faithfully fulfilling His promises and demonstrating His providential care throughout the generations.
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