Women of the Bible · Old Testament
The Story of Rahab
Also: Rahabu (Kiswahili)
Woman of Jericho who hid Israel's spies, was spared when the city fell, and is remembered for her faith.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Rahab lived in Jericho and is called a prostitute. She hid Joshua's two spies, confessed that the LORD is God in heaven and on earth, and asked for her family to be spared. Joshua 2:1–14
When Jericho fell, she and her household were spared and lived among Israel. The New Testament names her in the line of Jesus and as an example of faith shown in action. Joshua 6:22–25Matthew 1:5Hebrews 11:31James 2:25
Told in: Joshua
Life at a glance
- City
- Jericho Joshua 2:1
- Family
- Mother of Boaz, in the genealogy of Jesus Matthew 1:5
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Rahab
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Hides the spies
Rahab hides the spies on her roof, misleads the king's men, confesses her faith in the LORD, and lets the spies down by a rope; they promise to spare her household if the scarlet cord hangs in her window.
Spared when Jericho falls
Joshua has the spies bring out Rahab and all her family before the city is destroyed; she lives in Israel.
More about this event
People: Joshua
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Rahab. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Later recollection
- Hebrews 11:31 — By faith Rahab did not perish.
Teaching or quotation mentioning them
- James 2:25 — Rahab justified by works when she received the messengers.
Genealogy
Family and relationships
- JoshuaSpared by Joshua's wordJoshua 6:22–25
- BoazSon (in Matthew's genealogy)Matthew 1:5
Books associated with Rahab
- Joshua Their story appears here
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
Faith
- What does Rahab say about the LORD in Joshua 2:9-11?
Read offline
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