Boy Old Testament Known
Rapha
רָפָה
Rapha (Hebrew: רָפָה) is a biblical name; its Hebrew etymology is not securely established. It appears in 7 verses across 2 books of the Bible. In 2025 it was given to 18 children in the United States. Use is rising. Appears in the same passages as Armoni.
The bearer in scripture
One person in scripture bears this name.
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Rapha
father of Eleasah
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 7 across 2 books
- Bearers
- 1 one person only
- Testament
- Old
- Era
- United Monarchy
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 18 | Rising |
| All-time total | 73 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 18 in 2025 | Its highest year on record |
| Ten-year trend | +189% | Change in share of births |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | 2 Samuel 21:16 |
| Last appears | 1 Chronicles 20:8 |
| Cross-references | 73 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Saph co-occurrence Appears with Saph in 2 Samuel 21.
- Ishbi-benob co-occurrence Appears with Ishbi-benob in 2 Samuel 21.
- Sibbecai co-occurrence Appears with Sibbecai in 2 Samuel 21.
- Lahmi co-occurrence Appears with Lahmi in 2 Samuel 21.
- Jonathan co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Jonathan.
- Armoni co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Armoni.
- Barzillai co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Barzillai.
- Elhanan co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Elhanan.
Origin & meaning
Rapha was the ancestor of several Philistine giants who fought against David and his mighty warriors.
The biblical story
Rapha is mentioned in 2 Samuel 21 and 1 Chronicles 20 as the ancestor of several Philistine giants who fought against King David and his mighty warriors. The name "Rapha" is used to describe these giants as descendants of the Rephaim, a people known for their great stature and strength (Deu.2.11, 20-21). In 2Sa.21.16, Ishbi-benob, one of the descendants of Rapha, wielded a bronze spear and threatened to kill David, but Abishai came to David's aid and killed the giant. Another descendant of Rapha, Saph (also called Sippai in 1Ch.20.4), was killed by Sibbecai the Hushathite (2Sa.21.18). In 2Sa.21.20 and 1Ch.20.6, another descendant of Rapha is described as a huge man with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. This giant was killed by Jonathan, the son of Shimea, David's brother (2Sa.21.21; 1Ch.20.7). These battles against the descendants of Rapha are summarized in 2Sa.21.22 and 1Ch.20.8, emphasizing that they were defeated by David and his servants. The mention of Rapha and his descendants highlights the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines, as well as the bravery and skill of David and his warriors in facing and defeating these formidable enemies. The victory over the giants also demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to give the Israelites victory over their enemies and to establish David's kingdom.
Key verses
Rapha appears in 7 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
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And Ishbi–benob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David.
2 Samuel 21:16 -
And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant.
2 Samuel 21:18 -
And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant.
2 Samuel 21:20 -
These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.
2 Samuel 21:22 -
And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued.
1 Chronicles 20:4
Show all 7 references
2 Samuel (4)
- 2 Samuel 21:16
- 2 Samuel 21:18
- 2 Samuel 21:20
- 2 Samuel 21:22
1 Chronicles (3)
- 1 Chronicles 20:4
- 1 Chronicles 20:6
- 1 Chronicles 20:8