from רָפָא and אֵל; God has cured; Rephael, an Israelite; Rephael.
Transliteration:Rᵉphâʼêl
Pronunciation:ref-aw-ale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H7501, רְפָאֵל (Rᵉphâʼêl), is a proper noun, specifically a theophoric name. Its meaning is derived from two constituent elements: רָפָא (rapha), meaning "to heal, cure, restore" (`{{H7495}}`), and אֵל (el), meaning "God" (`{{H410}}`). Therefore, the name literally translates to "God has healed" or "God is a healer." As a proper name, its semantic range is restricted to the specific individual(s) bearing it, yet the profound theological statement embedded within the name carries significant meaning, testifying to a divine attribute or a past act of divine intervention. It is a declaration of God's power and character as the One who brings restoration and wholeness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Rephael (רְפָאֵל, H7501) appears once in the Hebrew Bible, within the genealogical records of the Chronicler:
* [[1 Chronicles 26:7]]: "The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, Rephael, Obed, Elzabad, and his brothers, Elihu and Semachiah, able men."
In this sole occurrence, Rephael is identified as one of the sons of Shemaiah, a descendant of Obed-Edom, who was a Levitical gatekeeper during the time of King David. The context is a detailed listing of the divisions and duties of the gatekeepers, emphasizing their strength and faithfulness. While the text provides no specific narrative about Rephael himself, the presence of such a name within a lineage suggests a family's enduring faith or a remembrance of God's healing power in their history. The name stands as a silent testament to God's character, even within a genealogical enumeration, underscoring the pervasive nature of theological truth within Israelite nomenclature.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root related to H7501 is רָפָא (rapha) (`{{H7495}}`), a verb meaning "to heal, cure, restore." This root is foundational to understanding God's character as the divine Healer, as seen in the divine name Yahweh-Rapha, "The LORD who heals you" ([[Exodus 15:26]]). The concept of healing in the Bible extends beyond mere physical restoration to encompass spiritual, emotional, and national recovery from sin, brokenness, or affliction.
The second element, אֵל (el) (`{{H410}}`), is a common Semitic term for God, frequently used in compound proper names (theophoric names) to express a theological truth or a relationship with the divine. Examples include Daniel ("God is my judge"), Samuel ("Heard of God"), and Israel ("He strives with God"). Theophoric names like Rephael served as constant reminders of God's attributes, actions, or promises within a family or community.
The broader concept of divine healing is central to biblical theology, highlighting God's compassion, power, and desire for the well-being of His creation. This encompasses not only physical ailments but also the healing of the land ([[2 Chronicles 7:14]]), the restoration of the nation ([[Jeremiah 30:17]]), and the spiritual healing from sin and estrangement from God ([[Psalm 103:3]]).
### Theological Significance
The name Rephael, meaning "God has healed," carries profound theological significance. It functions as a direct declaration of God's attribute as the divine Healer. This attribute is not merely a passive quality but an active demonstration of His power and care for humanity. The name testifies to:
1. **God's Sovereignty in Healing:** It affirms that healing, in its most profound sense, originates with and is ultimately controlled by God. Whether physical, spiritual, or national, any true restoration is a gift from the Almighty.
2. **God's Compassionate Nature:** The act of healing is an expression of God's mercy and love towards His creation. The name Rephael implicitly acknowledges a moment of divine intervention that brought relief or restoration.
3. **A Testimony of Faith:** For those who bore the name, or for their families, Rephael served as a perpetual reminder of God's faithfulness in a past act of healing, or as an ongoing declaration of trust in His restorative power. It transforms a personal identity into a theological statement.
4. **Comprehensive Restoration:** While often associated with physical cure, the concept of God's healing (rapha) in scripture extends to mending broken relationships, restoring spiritual vitality, and bringing wholeness to a wounded soul or nation. The name Rephael encapsulates this holistic understanding of divine restoration.
### Summary
Rephael (רְפָאֵל, H7501) is a Hebrew proper name meaning "God has healed" or "God is a healer," formed from the elements רָפָא (rapha, `{{H7495}}`) and אֵל (el, `{{H410}}`). It appears once in the biblical text, identifying an Israelite gatekeeper in [[1 Chronicles 26:7]]. Despite its singular occurrence as a personal name, its profound theological meaning serves as a powerful testament to God's character as the ultimate Healer and Restorer. The name encapsulates a foundational truth about God's compassionate nature and His sovereign power to bring wholeness and recovery, whether in a physical, spiritual, or national context, serving as an enduring declaration of faith in His restorative work.
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