Joshua 2
Rahab hides the spies
People of the Bible
Rahab in the Bible
Joshua 2; 6:22–25; Matthew 1:5; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25
Rahab was a woman of Jericho who hid two Israelite spies, declared her faith in the LORD, and was spared with her family when the city fell (Joshua 2; Joshua 6:22–25). The New Testament names her in Jesus's genealogy (Matthew 1:5) and lists her among the examples of faith (Hebrews 11:31).
Her story in Joshua
Two spies came to Jericho, and Rahab hid them on her roof under stalks of flax. She told the men she had heard what the LORD had done for Israel, and she asked that her family be spared in exchange for her help. She tied a scarlet cord in her window as a sign, and when the walls fell, her household was kept safe (Joshua 2:9–21; 6:22–25).
Why the New Testament names her
Matthew's genealogy names her as the mother of Boaz, placing her in the family line of Jesus (Matthew 1:5). Hebrews lists her among the examples of faith, and James uses her to show that faith is seen in action (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25).
Scripture references (key passages)
Joshua 6:22–25
Rahab's household is spared
Matthew 1:5
Rahab in Jesus's genealogy
Hebrews 11:31
Rahab among the examples of faith
James 2:25
faith shown in action
Common questions
Who was Rahab in the Bible?
A woman of Jericho who hid two Israelite spies and was spared with her family when the city fell (Joshua 2; 6:22–25).
Was Rahab a prostitute?
Joshua 2:1 uses a Hebrew word that most translations render "prostitute" or "harlot." Some interpreters have suggested "innkeeper," but the most common reading is prostitute.
Is Rahab in the lineage of Jesus?
Yes. Matthew 1:5 names her as the mother of Boaz.
Why is Rahab in Hebrews 11?
Hebrews 11:31 lists her among the examples of faith, and James 2:25 uses her to show faith in action.
Related resources
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