Hebrews 11:31
By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text highlights Rahab's faith by contrasting her "friendly welcome" to the spies with the "disobedience" of her countrymen, showing that faith isn't just believing God's existence, but actively siding with Him, even when it means going against your own people. Her willingness to risk everything for these strangers reveals a profound belief that God's promises to Israel would be fulfilled, leading to her salvation.
The author is listing examples of faith, moving from prominent figures to less expected ones, and now lands on Rahab, a Gentile woman and a prostitute in Jericho. This woman, by believing the reports of Israel's God and welcoming their spies, chose allegiance with God's people, thereby escaping the destruction that befell the disobedient inhabitants of her city.
Who would expect a prostitute and a spy to be linked by faith? Rahab's story shatters our assumptions about who God uses.
Hebrews 11 doesn't just list heroes; it showcases God's amazing grace working through the unlikely. Rahab, identified by her profession (the word 'harlot' is kept to highlight the contrast), wasn't from Israel. She was a foreigner, living in Jericho, a city marked for destruction.
Yet, when the Israelite spies arrived, she didn't betray them. Instead, she hid them, risking her life.
A Different Kind of 'Welcome'
What's the difference between simply not believing and actively disobeying? Rahab's story and the fate of Jericho hinge on this crucial distinction.
The author of Hebrews is precise with language. The people of Jericho are described as 'disobedient' (or 'unbelieving' in some translations), and this wasn't a minor detail.
Understanding Disobedience
Understand the original words
pistis · Greek Noun
A firm conviction, trust, and reliance upon God and His promises. It is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen, acting as the foundation of the believer's relationship with God.
pornē · Greek Noun
Refers to a person who engages in sexual immorality for payment; in a biblical context, it highlights the unlikely status of someone being included in God's redemptive history through faith.
apeitheō · Greek Verb
A refusal to believe or trust in God’s word; it implies active rebellion or persistent stubbornness against divine authority.
hypodechomai · Greek Verb
The act of showing hospitality or a peaceful reception to others; in this context, it refers to receiving God’s messengers or those acting on His behalf.
Rahab's story highlights that faith isn't about perfect actions but a radical trust in God's promises, even when it means defying societal norms and risking everything.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites cross the Jordan River
Led by Joshua, the Israelites cross the Jordan River into the land of Canaan, marking the beginning of their conquest.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Spies sent to Jericho
Joshua sends two spies into Canaan to scout the city of Jericho. They lodge at the house of Rahab, a woman known for her occupation.
c. 1400 BC
Rahab hides the spies
Rahab hides the spies from Jericho's king and lies to protect them, demonstrating her burgeoning faith in the God of Israel.
c. 1400 BC
Rahab secures her family's safety
Rahab makes a deal with the spies to spare her household when Jericho is destroyed, tying a scarlet cord to her window as a sign.
c. 1400 BC
This is the direct narrative account of Rahab's actions, showing her faith in action as she hides the spies and lies to protect them, demonstrating her belief in Israel's God.
James 2:25James echoes Hebrews, emphasizing that Rahab's faith was demonstrated by her works, specifically her reception of the spies, highlighting the inseparable link between genuine faith and action.
Matthew 1:5This genealogical record shows Rahab's inclusion in the lineage of Jesus, underscoring how God can use even those from marginalized backgrounds and pasts to be part of His grand redemptive plan.
Romans 3:23-24This passage speaks to the universal sinfulness of humanity and God's unmerited favor, paralleling Rahab's status as an outsider (' Gentile') and sinner who is 'justified by his grace'.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11This passage lists various sins and then states that the Corinthian believers were once such people but were washed and sanctified, similar to Rahab, who, despite her past, was transformed by faith and incorporated into God's people.
ellicottHebrews 11:31: "By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace."
(31) That believed not. —Bather, that were disobedient (see Hebrews 3:18 ; Hebrews 4:6 ; Hebrews 4:11 ). To her and to her countrymen alike had come the knowledge of what the Lord had done for Israel ( Joshua 2:10 ). She recognised from these signs, and acknowledged, the supremacy of Jehovah ( Hebrews 11:11 ), and she cast in her lot with His servants; the men of Jeri…
vincentHebrews 11:31: "By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace."
The harlot Rahab (Ῥαὰβ ἡ πόρνη)See Joshua 2; Joshua 6:17, and comp. James 2:25. Rahab's occupation is stated without mincing, and the lodging of the spies at her house was probably not a matter of accident. Very amusing are the efforts of some earlier expositors to evade the fact of a harlot's faith, by rendering πόρνη landlady.Perished not with (οὐ συναπώλετο)…
The text highlights Rahab's faith by contrasting her "friendly welcome" to the spies with the "disobedience" of her countrymen, showing that faith isn't just believing God's existence, but actively siding with Him, even when it means going against your own people. Her willingness to risk everything for these strangers reveals a profound belief that God's promises to Israel would be fulfilled, leading to her salvation.
The author is listing examples of faith, moving from prominent figures to less expected ones, and now lands on Rahab, a Gentile woman and a prostitute in Jericho. This woman, by believing the reports of Israel's God and welcoming their spies, chose allegiance with God's people, thereby escaping the destruction that befell the disobedient inhabitants of her city.
The author is listing examples of faith, moving from prominent figures to less expected ones, and now lands on Rahab, a Gentile woman and a prostitute in Jericho. This woman, by believing the reports of Israel's God and welcoming their spies, chose allegiance with God's people, thereby escaping the destruction that befell the disobedient inhabitants of her city.
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This highlights that faith isn't just about what you believe in your head, but how that belief shapes your actions, especially when faced with God's clear word and commands.
Walls of Jericho fall
Following God's instructions, the Israelites march around Jericho for seven days, and on the seventh day, the city walls miraculously collapse.
c. 1400 BC
Destruction of Jericho
The city of Jericho is utterly destroyed, with all its inhabitants, except for Rahab and her family, who are spared due to her faith and the spies' promise.
"By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies." — The text highlights Rahab's faith by contrasting her "friendly welcome" to the spies with the "disobedience" of her countrymen, showing that faith isn't just believing God's existence, but actively s…
