Topical Encyclopedia
Rephaiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily within the genealogical records of the tribes of Israel. His name, which can be translated as "Yahweh has healed" or "Jehovah has healed," reflects a common theophoric element in Hebrew names, indicating a connection to the divine.
Genealogical ContextRephaiah is noted in several genealogical lists, which are crucial for understanding the lineage and tribal affiliations of the Israelites. In
1 Chronicles 3:21, Rephaiah is listed as a descendant of David, specifically as a son of Shechaniah. This places him within the royal lineage of Judah, highlighting the importance of maintaining detailed genealogical records for the purposes of inheritance and tribal identity.
1 Chronicles 3:21 states: "The descendants of Hananiah: Pelatiah, Jeshaiah, the sons of Rephaiah, Arnan, Obadiah, and Shecaniah."
This passage situates Rephaiah within the broader context of the post-exilic community, emphasizing the continuity of Davidic lineage even after the Babylonian exile.
Role and SignificanceRephaiah's mention in the genealogies underscores the importance of family lines in the biblical narrative, particularly in relation to the promises made to David regarding his descendants. While Rephaiah himself is not a prominent figure in terms of narrative action or leadership, his inclusion in the genealogical records serves to affirm the fulfillment of God's covenantal promises to David.
In
1 Chronicles 4:42, another Rephaiah is mentioned as a leader among the Simeonites. This Rephaiah, son of Ishi, is noted for his role in leading a group of 500 men to Mount Seir, where they defeated the remnant of the Amalekites. This account highlights the martial prowess and leadership qualities associated with individuals bearing the name Rephaiah.
1 Chronicles 4:42 : "And five hundred of these Simeonites, led by Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah, and Uzziel the sons of Ishi, went to Mount Seir."
Theological ImplicationsThe presence of Rephaiah in the biblical genealogies and narratives serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God in preserving the line of David and the tribes of Israel. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of divine healing and restoration, as suggested by the meaning of his name. The genealogical records, while often overlooked, are integral to understanding the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through history.
Rephaiah's inclusion in these records, whether as a descendant of David or a leader among the Simeonites, illustrates the interconnectedness of the tribes of Israel and the shared heritage that binds them together under the covenantal promises of God.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Rephaiahmedicine or refreshment of the Lord
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Rephaiah(healed of Jehovah).
- The sons of Rephaiah appear among the descendants of Zerubbabel in (1 Chronicles 3:21)
- A Simeonite chieftain in the reign of Hezekiah. (1 Chronicles 4:42) (B.C. 727.)
- Son of Tola the son of Issachar. (1 Chronicles 7:2)
- Son of Binea, and descendant of Saul. (1 Chronicles 9:43)
- The son of Hur, and ruler of a portion of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 3:9) (B.C. 441.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
REPHAIAHre-fa'-ya, re-fi'-a (rephayah, probably "Yah is healing"; Septuagint Rhaphaia(s)):
(1) In David's family, Septuagint also Rhaphal (1 Chronicles 3:21).
(2) A captain of Simeon (1 Chronicles 4:42).
(3) A grandson of Issachar, Septuagint also Rhaphara (1 Chronicles 7:2).
(4) A descendant of Saul (1 Chronicles 9:43; in1 Chronicles 8:37 called "Raphah" (raphah); Septuagint also Raphai).
(5) One of the repairers of the wall under Nehemiah (Nehemiah 3:9).
Strong's Hebrew
7509. Rephayah -- "Yah has cured," five Israelites... "Yah has cured," five Israelites. Transliteration: Rephayah Phonetic Spelling:
(ref-aw-yaw') Short Definition:
Rephaiah.
... NASB Word Usage
Rephaiah (5).
Rephaiah.
...Thesaurus
Rephaiah (5 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
REPHAIAH. re-fa'-ya, re-fi
... 3:9). Multi-Version
Concordance
Rephaiah (5 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 3
...Rephai'ah (5 Occurrences)
Rephai'ah.Rephaiah, Rephai'ah. Rephaim . Multi-Version Concordance
Rephai'ah (5 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 3:21 And the sons of...
Pelati'ah (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 3:21 And the sons of Hananiah: Pelatiah, and Jeshaiah; the sons of
Jeshaiah:Rephaiah; the sons ofRephaiah: Arnan; the sons of Arnan: Obadiah...
Obadi'ah (16 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 3:21 And the sons of Hananiah: Pelatiah, and Jeshaiah; the sons of
Jeshaiah:Rephaiah; the sons ofRephaiah: Arnan; the sons of Arnan: Obadiah...
Jeshai'ah (7 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 3:21 And the sons of Hananiah: Pelatiah, and Jeshaiah; the sons of
Jeshaiah:Rephaiah; the sons ofRephaiah: Arnan; the sons of Arnan: Obadiah...
Pelatiah (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 3:21 The sons of Hananiah: Pelatiah, and Jeshaiah; the sons ofRephaiah,
the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shecaniah....
Shecani'ah (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 3:21 And the sons of Hananiah: Pelatiah, and Jeshaiah; the sons of
Jeshaiah:Rephaiah; the sons ofRephaiah: Arnan; the sons of Arnan: Obadiah...
Hanani'ah (28 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 3:21 And the sons of Hananiah: Pelatiah, and Jeshaiah; the sons of
Jeshaiah:Rephaiah; the sons ofRephaiah: Arnan; the sons of Arnan: Obadiah...
22600 (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 7:2 The sons of Tola: Uzzi, andRephaiah, and Jeriel, and Jahmai, and
Ibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their fathers' houses, to wit, of Tola; mighty...
Ne-ari'ah (1 Occurrence)
... 4:42 Some of them, even of the sons of Simeon, five hundred men, went to Mount Seir,
having for their captains Pelatiah, and Neariah, andRephaiah, and Uzziel...
Resources
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