Lexical Summary rapheh: Weak, feeble, faint Original Word: רָפֶה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance weak From raphah; slack (in body or mind) -- weak. Raphah, Raphah. See rapha', Rapha'. Riphah. See riyphah. see HEBREW raphah see HEBREW rapha' see HEBREW Rapha' see HEBREW riyphah Brown-Driver-Briggs רָפֶה adjective slack; — absolute ׳ר, of people, Numbers 13:18 (J); construct רְפֵה יָרַיִם 2 Samuel 17:2, i.e. weak ("" יָגֵעַ); feminine plural יָרַיִם רָפוֺת, figurative of discouragement and fear Isaiah 35:3; Job 4:3. compare v Qal 2. Topical Lexicon Semantic Range and Core Ideaרָפֶה (rapheh) conveys the notion of slackness, looseness, or lack of firmness. When applied to human faculties it speaks of weakness or flagging strength; when directed toward attitudes it includes the ideas of relaxing, letting go, or diminishing resolve. The term therefore forms a foil for biblical calls to steadfastness—whether physical, moral, or spiritual. Occurrences and Literary Setting 1. Numbers 13:18 introduces the adjective in the spy narrative: “see what the land is like, and whether the people living there are strong or weak…”. The description anticipates Israel’s struggle between faith and fear; rapheh marks a potential vulnerability in Canaan’s inhabitants, yet ultimately exposes Israel’s own wavering heart. 2. 2 Samuel 17:2 records Ahithophel’s military counsel regarding David: “I will attack him while he is weary and weak…”. Rapheh describes the monarch’s physical and emotional depletion during Absalom’s rebellion, a moment of perceived advantage for the enemy but also a scene where divine protection overturns human schemes. 3. Job 4:3 recalls Eliphaz’s assessment of Job’s past ministry: “Surely you have instructed many, and have strengthened their weak hands”. Rapheh hands symbolize discouragement and incapacitation; Job’s prior encouragement of others stands in sharp contrast to his present affliction, setting the stage for the book’s exploration of suffering and perseverance. 4. Isaiah 35:3 proclaims the prophetic exhortation, “Strengthen the weak hands, and steady the knees that give way”. In an oracle of eschatological hope, rapheh underscores the frailty of God’s people in exile, immediately followed by a divine promise of restoration and the revelation of God’s glory (Isaiah 35:4–10). Theological Motifs Steadfastness versus Slackness: Rapheh consistently highlights a deficiency that divine strength is poised to remedy. Human frailty becomes the canvas upon which the Lord paints His sufficiency (cf. Isaiah 40:29–31). Faith under Trial: Each setting involves pressure—scouting an intimidating land, facing treason, enduring suffering, or languishing in exile. Rapheh testifies that trials uncover weakness not to shame but to invite deeper reliance on God. Community Responsibility: Job and Isaiah demonstrate that believers are called to reinforce rapheh hands, becoming conduits of divine encouragement. New Testament resonance appears in Hebrews 12:12, which quotes Isaiah 35:3 to exhort the church toward mutual edification. Historical and Redemptive Significance In Israel’s national history rapheh flags decisive moments: the threshold of conquest, the vulnerability of a fugitive king, the despair of exiles. Each episode advances the unfolding plan of redemption by revealing the need for a righteous Deliverer whose own hands would never slacken (cf. Psalm 138:8). Isaiah’s vision looks forward to Messianic times when weakness is transformed into joy and singing on the Way of Holiness (Isaiah 35:8–10). The Gospels portray Jesus healing withered limbs and strengthening the infirm, embodying the reversal of rapheh and inaugurating the kingdom foretold. Ministry Applications 1. Strengthening the Faint: Pastoral care mirrors Job’s earlier ministry—fortifying those whose “hands hang limp.” Practical engagement includes prayer, Scripture exhortation, and tangible support. 2. Guarding Against Spiritual Laxity: Rapheh warns leaders to remain vigilant, lest weariness invite spiritual compromise (Galatians 6:9; Revelation 3:2). 3. Proclaiming Hope: Isaiah’s mandate equips believers to speak courage into suffering contexts, reminding the weak that “your God will come with vengeance…He will save you” (Isaiah 35:4). Reflective Summary רָפֶה exposes the fragility of human strength while magnifying the unwavering power of God. Whether surveying hostile territory, fleeing conspirators, wrestling with unexplained pain, or enduring exile, the people of God are repeatedly summoned to exchange slackness for steadfastness through faith. Ultimately, the biblical trajectory from rapheh to restoration underscores the gospel rhythm: “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Forms and Transliterations הֲרָפֶ֔ה הרפה וּרְפֵ֣ה ורפה רָפ֑וֹת רָפ֣וֹת רפות hă·rā·p̄eh haraPeh hărāp̄eh rā·p̄ō·wṯ raFot rāp̄ōwṯ ū·rə·p̄êh urePeh ūrəp̄êhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 13:18 HEB: הֶחָזָ֥ק הוּא֙ הֲרָפֶ֔ה הַמְעַ֥ט ה֖וּא NAS: in it are strong [or] weak, whether they are few KJV: therein, whether they [be] strong or weak, few INT: are strong he weak are few he 2 Samuel 17:2 Job 4:3 Isaiah 35:3 4 Occurrences |
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