Rahab
Name Origin & Meaning
From 'rachab' (to be wide, broad). Rahab's entire character arc is one of expanding inclusivity — a Canaanite woman outside the covenant who opened her home, her window, and her allegiance to the God of Israel. By faith she opened a wide way of salvation for her entire household.
First Biblical Appearance
“And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab.”
The introduction of Rahab as the woman who would hide Israel's spies and secure salvation for both parties.
Biblical Significance
Rahab was a Canaanite prostitute who hid Israel's spies in Jericho and secured her family's salvation with a scarlet thread in her window. When Jericho fell, only her household was spared. She married into Israel, appears in Matthew 1 in Jesus' genealogy, and is cited in Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25 as a hero of faith.
Notable Bearers
- Rahab the harlot of Jericho
- Rahab mother of Boaz
Personality & Character
Creative completeness and the Trinity — the number of divine fullness in threefold expression
Spiritual symbolism drawn from Scripture and tradition
Modern Variants
A Blessing for This Name
May you hang the scarlet thread of faith from your window and discover that God honors every act of courageous trust regardless of your past. May the walls of whatever has imprisoned you fall flat, and may your whole household be saved by the cord of covenant love.