Raphah
/ˈræf.ə/noun
A biblical proper name associated with a member or ancestor of the Rephaim, a group portrayed in the Hebrew Bible as unusually formidable people or giants.
Did you know?The identity of Raphah is uncertain: biblical translators connect the name with the Rephaim, whose name can also refer to powerful dead spirits or shades in ancient Hebrew tradition.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Hebrew
Hebrew
רָפָה (Rāphāh)
“A biblical personal name; its precise derivation is uncertain and may be connected with the Rephaim.”
Hebrew Bible, c. 6th–5th Century BCE
Biblical Hebrew
Rāphāh
“A figure named in genealogical and military passages, including traditions concerning the Rephaim.”
3rd–2nd Century BCE
Septuagint Greek
Raphá
“Greek transliteration of the Hebrew personal name.”
4th–5th Century CE
Latin
Rapha
“Latin biblical transliteration of the name.”
16th Century
English
Raphah
“English Bible form used for the biblical proper name.”
Modern English
English
Raphah
“A rare biblical proper noun, commonly discussed in connection with the Rephaim or ancient giant traditions.”