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Portrait of RahabPortrait · Rahab

Judges · Old Testament

Rahab

Courageous Woman of Jericho Who Chose Faith

Name meaning
Broad or spacious
Name origin
Hebrew: רָחָב (Rachav), meaning "broad" or "spacious"

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Innkeeper/host in Jericho
Birthplace
Jericho
Modern-day location
Jericho, at the Tell es-Sultan archaeological site in the present-day West Bank.
Family
  • Mother of Boaz (according to Matthew 1:5)
  • Ancestor of David
  • Family rescued with her
First mention
Joshua 2:1-4
Last mention
Joshua 6:22-25; Matthew 1:5; Hebrews 11:31
Key artifacts
  • Scarlet cord in window
  • Flax on roof
  • City wall of Jericho

Key verses

  • “for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.”

    Joshua 2:11

  • “And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household.”

    Joshua 6:25

  • “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.”

    Hebrews 11:31

Biography

Early Life

Rahab lived in Jericho, a walled Canaanite city. Her house was on the city wall and she offered lodging to travelers.

Defining Biblical Moments

When Joshua's spies came, Rahab hid them, professed faith in Israel's God, and helped them escape by a scarlet cord. At Jericho's fall, she and her family were spared and she was incorporated into Israel, later appearing in the genealogy of Jesus.

Strengths

Rahab demonstrates quick discernment, courageous hospitality, and decisive action on behalf of others.

Weaknesses & Lessons

Her occupation and lie to the king's men present moral complexity; the narrative highlights faith and mercy over idealized perfection.

Life Lessons for Today

Faith can begin with hearing and acting on what is known of God; one courageous choice can redirect a family's future.

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Rahab appears in Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #15 in Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith

Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith front cover

Women whose courage shaped Scripture

Vivid profiles of the women of the Bible whose faith, wisdom, and quiet courage carried them through extraordinary moments.

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