"For the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath."
Biblical Name · Hebrew Origin
Rahab Meaning in the Bible
Rahab
girl
Rahab means "Broad; Wide", a girl's name of Hebrew origin. Rahab appears in the King James Bible, and Hebrews 11:31 is the passage most often tied to it. Rahab's transformation from outcast to ancestor of the Messiah is one of Scripture's greatest redemption stories. Her faith shows that no past is too broken for God's grace, and that courage in a critical moment can alter an eternal lineage.
Is Rahab in the Bible?
Yes — Rahab appears in the King James Bible, including Hebrews 11:31.
Pronunciation:/RAY-hab/
OriginHebrew
MeaningBroad; Wide
What does Rahab mean?
Rahab is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning "Broad; Wide". Rahab means "broad" or "wide" in Hebrew. She was a Canaanite woman in Jericho who hid the Israelite spies and helped them escape. In return, she and her family were spared when Jericho fell — identified by a scarlet cord hung from her window.
Which Bible Character Are You?
Take this free Bible personality quiz to discover which Bible character you are most like. 10 questions, instant result with a King James verse.
One of 36 free KJV quizzes — see them all.
Editor’s reflection
A Canaanite innkeeper named in the hall of faith — and in the genealogy of Jesus.
Rahab (Hebrew רָחָב) comes from rachab, 'wide' or 'broad' — so 'spacious.' A separate Hebrew word, rahab with a different first letter, means 'pride' or 'storm' and is used as a poetic name for Egypt (Isaiah 30:7) and for a sea monster (Job 26:12). The two are not the same word, and name pages that mix them up give Jericho's Rahab the wrong meaning.
Joshua sends two spies into Jericho and they lodge with Rahab, described plainly as a harlot. She hides them under the flax on her roof, sends the king's men the wrong way, and makes her confession: 'the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath' (Joshua 2:11). She asks only that her family be spared, and the scarlet cord in her window marks the house that stands when the walls fall (Joshua 6:22-25).
The New Testament does not treat her as a footnote. Hebrews lists her with Abraham and Moses — 'By faith the harlot Rahab perished not' (Hebrews 11:31); James cites her as proof that faith acts (James 2:25); and Matthew 1:5 puts her in the line of David and of Christ.
As a given name Rahab is rarely used in English and more common in parts of Africa. The story, not the sound, is why it keeps being searched.
“By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.”
What does Rahab mean in the Bible?
Rahab means "Broad; Wide" and is a name of Hebrew origin. Below is what Scripture and Christian tradition attach to that meaning.
Rahab means "broad" or "wide" in Hebrew. She was a Canaanite woman in Jericho who hid the Israelite spies and helped them escape. In return, she and her family were spared when Jericho fell — identified by a scarlet cord hung from her window.
Rahab's faith is remarkable considering her background. She declared to the spies, "I know that the LORD hath given you the land" and "the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath" — a confession of faith that surpassed many Israelites'.
Rahab married an Israelite named Salmon and became the mother of Boaz (who married Ruth), the great-great-grandmother of King David, and an ancestor of Jesus Christ. She is listed in both the Hebrews 11 hall of faith and James 2 as an example of faith demonstrated through works.
Where does Rahab appear in the Bible (KJV)?
Rahab is connected to 1 key passage in the King James Bible, beginning with Hebrews 11:31. Each verse is quoted in full below.
"By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace."
Take the KJV Bible with You
Download the complete King James Bible as a free PDF — all 66 books, 1,189 chapters, ready to read offline or print. No sign-up required.
Which books of the Bible mention Rahab?
Rahab is mentioned across 4 books of the Bible. Follow any book below to read it in the KJV.
What is the spiritual meaning of Rahab?
Rahab's transformation from outcast to ancestor of the Messiah is one of Scripture's greatest redemption stories. Her faith shows that no past is too broken for God's grace, and that courage in a critical moment can alter an eternal lineage.
Related Promises of God
Promises connected to the meaning of the name Rahab:
God Promises Strength in Weakness
Bible promises that God's power is made perfect in your weakness.
God Promises a Harvest If You Don't Give Up
Bible promises for perseverance and not growing weary.
God Promises Courage for Every Battle
Bible promises about divine courage when facing opposition and challenges.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Devotional
Hebrews 4:16 — Meaning & Devotional
Grace
Commentary
Hebrews 4:16 Commentary
In-depth study • Prayer & Grace
Promise
God's Grace Is Sufficient
Bible promises about God's grace being enough for every situation.
Devotional
Hebrews 10:25 — Meaning & Devotional
Fellowship
Commentary
Hebrews 10:25 Commentary
In-depth study • Christian Community
Word Meaning
Grace (Chen) (חֵן (chen))
Favor, charm, and gracious acceptance — finding kindness in another's eyes.
What names are related to Rahab?
Names like Rahab
Other Hebrew biblical names that share the spirit of "Broad; Wide" — discovered by matching meaning category and origin.
Names that pair well with Rahab
Sibling sets, middle-name combinations, and complementary pairings chosen for matching origin, meaning, and similar syllable weight.
Share the meaning of Rahab
Download a printable name card with the KJV verse and meaning — perfect for Pinterest, Instagram, or a baptism keepsake.
Rahab name meaning: frequently asked questions
Yes. Matthew 1:5 names Rachab (Rahab) as the mother of Boaz, placing the Canaanite woman of Jericho directly in the line of David and of Jesus — one of four women Matthew deliberately includes.
Yes — Rahab appears in the King James Bible, including Hebrews 11:31.
Rahab means "Broad; Wide." It is a Hebrew name. The King James Bible uses it in Hebrews 11:31, so the meaning is carried by a real person in Scripture.
Common questions about the name Rahab
Can I download a free King James Bible PDF to study the name Rahab?
Yes. The complete King James Bible is available as a free PDF download — all 66 books, 1,189 chapters, ready to read offline or print. No sign-up required.
Where can I read the full biblical context for Rahab?
You can read every verse where Rahab appears in the King James Bible by downloading the free KJV PDF or reading online. The download page also includes a bookmarked Book of Psalms KJV PDF for easy reference.