Topical Encyclopedia
Raphah is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the Old Testament. The name "Raphah" is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "to heal" or "to mend," which is often associated with strength and restoration. This entry will explore the occurrences and significance of Raphah within the biblical narrative.
Genealogical ContextRaphah is listed in the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin. In
1 Chronicles 8:37 , we read: "Moza was the father of Binea. Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son." This passage situates Raphah within the lineage of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The genealogies in Chronicles serve to establish the historical and familial connections of the Israelites, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with His people through successive generations.
Tribal SignificanceThe tribe of Benjamin holds a unique place in Israel's history. As the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, Benjamin's descendants played significant roles in the narrative of Israel. The tribe was known for its warriors and was strategically located between the northern and southern kingdoms. Raphah, as a descendant of Benjamin, is part of this rich heritage, contributing to the tribe's legacy within the nation of Israel.
Theological ImplicationsThe mention of Raphah in the genealogies underscores the importance of family lineage in the biblical narrative. It reflects the biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His promises, as seen in His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The genealogies serve as a testament to God's providential care and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through history.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn the ancient Near Eastern context, genealogies were crucial for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and social status. They provided a sense of continuity and belonging, linking individuals to their ancestral past. For the Israelites, genealogies were also a means of preserving the memory of God's acts and promises to their forefathers.
ConclusionWhile Raphah may not be a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the genealogies of Benjamin highlights the broader themes of covenant, heritage, and divine faithfulness. Through Raphah and others like him, the Bible presents a tapestry of interconnected lives that collectively bear witness to God's enduring relationship with His people.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
RaphahRaphu, relaxation; physic; comfort
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
RAPHA, RAPHAHra'-fa (rapha'):
(1) In the Revised Version margin these names are substituted for "the giant" in1 Chronicles 20:4, 6, 8 and in2 Samuel 21:16, 18, 20, 22. The latter passage states that certain champions of the Philistines who were slain by David's warriors had been born to the raphah in Gath. The text is corrupt; Raphah is probably an eponym. Originally the name of one of the Philistines who was of the body "Rephaites" stood in the text. The plural of this word, or at least a plural of this stem, is REPHAIM (which see).
(2) Raphah (the King James Version "Rapha"), a descendant of Saul (1 Chronicles 8:37).
SeeREPHAIAH.
Horace J. Wolf
Strong's Hebrew
7503.raphah -- sink, relax... 7502, 7503.
raphah. 7504 . sink, relax. Transliteration:
raphah Phonetic Spelling:
(raw-faw') Short Definition: fail.
... 7502, 7503.
raphah. 7504 .
...7498b. rapha -- giant
rapha orraphah. 7498a, 7498b. rapha orraphah. 7499 . giant. Transliteration:
rapha orraphah Short Definition: giant. Word Origin...
7504. rapheh -- an Israelite in the line of Saul
... weak Fromraphah; slack (in body or mind) -- weak.Raphah,Raphah. See rapha', Rapha'.
Riphah. See riyphah. see HEBREWraphah. see HEBREW rapha'....
7495. rapha -- to heal
... Orraphah {raw-faw'}; a primitive root; properly, to mend (by stitching), ie
(figuratively) to cure -- cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, X thoroughly...
7498. Rapha' -- a Benjamite
... Rapha OrRaphah {raw-faw'}; probably the same as rapha'; giant; Rapha orRaphah,
the name of two Israelites -- Rapha. see HEBREW rapha'. 7497, 7498....
7504a. Rapha -- an Israelite in the line of Saul
... Rapha. 7504b . an Israelite in the line of Saul. Transliteration: Rapha Short
Definition:Raphah.... in the line of Saul NASB Word UsageRaphah (1). 7504, 7504a...
7497. Rapha -- inhab. of an area East of the Jordan
... inhab. of an area East of the Jordan. Transliteration: Rapha Phonetic Spelling:
(raw-faw') Short Definition: Rephaim. Word Origin fromraphah Definition inhab....
7517. repheth -- stable, stall
... stall. Probably fromraphah; a stall for cattle (from their resting there) -- stall.
see HEBREWraphah. 7516, 7517. repheth. 7518 . Strong's Numbers.
7496. rapha -- shades, ghosts
... Word Origin fromraphah Definition shades, ghosts NASB Word Usage dead (3), departed
spirits (4), spirits of the dead (1). dead, deceased.... see HEBREWraphah....
7510. rippayon -- a sinking
... Word Origin fromraphah Definition a sinking NASB Word Usage limpness (1). feebleness.
Fromraphah; slackness -- feebleness. see HEBREWraphah....
Thesaurus
Raphah (5 Occurrences)... RAPHA,
RAPHAH.
... The latter passage states that certain champions of the Philistines
who were slain by David's warriors had been born to the
raphah in Gath.
...Rapha (10 Occurrences)
... RAPHA,RAPHAH.... The latter passage states that certain champions of the Philistines
who were slain by David's warriors had been born to theraphah in Gath....
Giants (18 Occurrences)
... In Samuel 21:16, 18, 20, 33, "the giant" is (AV) the rendering of the singular form
haraphah, which may possibly be the name of the father of the four giants...
Rephaiah (5 Occurrences)
... Issachar, Septuagint also Rhaphara (1 Chronicles 7:2). (4) A descendant of Saul
(1 Chronicles 9:43; in 1 Chronicles 8:37 called "Raphah" (raphah); Septuagint...
Raphael
Lance (7 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 21:16 And Ishbibenob, who was of the children ofRaphah the weight of his
lance was three hundred shekels of bronze, and he was girded with new armour...
Idleness (4 Occurrences)
... i'-d'-l, i'-d'-l-nes: Both words, adjective and noun, render different Hebrew words
(from `atsel, "to be lazy,"raphah, "to relax," and shaqaT, "to be quiet")....
Idle (33 Occurrences)
... i'-d'-l, i'-d'-l-nes: Both words, adjective and noun, render different Hebrew words
(from `atsel, "to be lazy,"raphah, "to relax," and shaqaT, "to be quiet")....
Fail (130 Occurrences)
... lacking" (Isaiah 34:16 the King James Version; Isaiah 40:26 the King James Version;
Isaiah 59:15 the King James Version; Zephaniah 3:5); ofraphah, "to become...
Raphaim
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