Rapha
/ˈræfə/noun
A transliteration of a Hebrew root meaning “to heal,” and, in biblical contexts, a name associated with a giant or ancestor of giants.
Did you know?The Hebrew root רָפָא appears in the biblical name Raphael—traditionally understood as “God has healed”—while “Rapha” also appears in passages concerning the Rephaim, legendary giant figures.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*r-p-ʾ
“A reconstructed root associated with healing or restoring health.”
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
רָפָא (rāpāʾ)
“To heal, cure, or restore.”
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
רָפָה (Rāphāh)
“A personal name or designation appearing in biblical genealogical and giant-related traditions.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Ῥαφαήλ (Rhaphaēl)
“The Greek form of Raphael, from Hebrew רְפָאֵל, meaning “God heals.””
Medieval English
English
Raphael
“A biblical and angelic proper name transmitted through Greek and Latin.”
Modern English
English
Rapha
“A transliteration used for the Hebrew healing root and for biblical names or references.”