The term "Reph'aim" appears in various contexts within the Old Testament, often referring to a group of ancient people known for their great size and strength. The Rephaim are frequently associated with the giants of the land, and their presence is noted in several key biblical narratives.

Etymology and Meaning

The Hebrew word "Rephaim" (רְפָאִים) is often translated as "giants" or "mighty ones." The term is sometimes used interchangeably with other groups of giants mentioned in the Bible, such as the Anakim and the Emim. The root of the word may suggest notions of healing or strength, but its precise etymology remains a subject of scholarly debate.

Biblical References

1. Genesis 14:5 · The Rephaim are first mentioned in the context of the war of the kings. "In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim" . This passage situates the Rephaim in the region of Bashan, indicating their presence in the Transjordan area.

2. Deuteronomy 2:10-11 · The Rephaim are described as formidable and ancient inhabitants of the land. "The Emites used to live there, a people as great, numerous, and tall as the Anakites. Like the Anakites, they were also regarded as Rephaim, though the Moabites called them Emites" . This passage highlights the fearsome reputation of the Rephaim and their association with other giant clans.

3. Deuteronomy 3:11 · Og, king of Bashan, is identified as one of the last of the Rephaim. "For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed was made of iron and was more than nine cubits long and four cubits wide, by the standard cubit" . Og's enormous bed is often cited as evidence of the extraordinary size of the Rephaim.

4. Joshua 12:4 · The defeat of Og is recounted as part of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land. "And Og king of Bashan, one of the remnant of the Rephaim, who lived at Ashtaroth and Edrei" . This victory is significant in demonstrating God's power over the formidable inhabitants of the land.

5. 2 Samuel 21:16-22 · The Rephaim are indirectly referenced in the accounts of David's battles with the Philistines, where descendants of giants are mentioned. "Ishbi-benob, one of the descendants of Rapha, whose bronze spearhead weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, intended to kill David" . The term "Rapha" is often understood as a reference to the Rephaim.

Cultural and Theological Significance

The Rephaim are emblematic of the challenges faced by the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land. Their depiction as giants serves to underscore the miraculous nature of Israel's victories, achieved not through human might but through divine intervention. The presence of the Rephaim in the biblical narrative also reflects the ancient Near Eastern context, where tales of giants and mighty warriors were common.

Theologically, the Rephaim can be seen as representing the obstacles and spiritual battles that believers face, requiring faith and reliance on God's strength. Their ultimate defeat by the Israelites serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people.Reph'aim (17 Occurrences)

Genesis 14:5
And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim,
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Genesis 15:20
and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Rephaim,
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Deuteronomy 2:11
these also are accounted Rephaim, as the Anakim; but the Moabites call them Emim.
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Deuteronomy 2:20
That also is accounted a land of Rephaim: Rephaim dwelt therein aforetime; but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim,
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Deuteronomy 3:11
For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbah of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.--
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Deuteronomy 3:13
and the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, the kingdom of Og, gave I unto the half-tribe of Manasseh; all the region of Argob--all that Bashan is called the land of Rephaim.
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Joshua 12:4
and the border of Og king of Bashan, of the remnant of the Rephaim, who dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei,
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Joshua 13:12
all the kingdom of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei--the same was left of the remnant of the Rephaim-- for these did Moses smite, and drove them out.
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Joshua 15:8
And the border went up by the Valley of the son of Hinnom unto the side of the Jebusite southward--the same is Jerusalem--and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the Valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the uttermost part of the vale of Rephaim northward.
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Joshua 17:15
And Joshua said unto them: 'If thou be a great people, get thee up to the forest, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the Rephaim; since the hill-country of Ephraim is too narrow for thee.'
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Joshua 18:16
And the border went down to the uttermost part of the mountain that lieth before the Valley of the son of Hinnom, which is in the vale of Rephaim northward; and it went down to the Valley of Hinnom, to the side of the Jebusite southward, and went down to En-rogel.
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2 Samuel 5:18
Now the Philistines had come and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
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2 Samuel 5:22
And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
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2 Samuel 23:13
And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam; and the troop of the Philistines were encamped in the valley of Rephaim.
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1 Chronicles 11:15
And three of the thirty chiefs went down to the rock to David, unto the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines were encamped in the valley of Rephaim.
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1 Chronicles 14:9
Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim.
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Isaiah 17:5
And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the standing corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; yea, it shall be as when one gleaneth ears in the valley of Rephaim.
(See RSV)

Reph'aim (17 Occurrences)
Reph'aim. Rephaim, Reph'aim. Rephaims . Multi-Version Concordance
Reph'aim (17 Occurrences). Genesis 14:5 And in the fourteenth ...
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Rephaim (32 Occurrences)

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Rephaims (2 Occurrences)

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