Rapha, Raphah
LocationsGeographical Setting
Rapha was a fortified city in the southern coastal plain of Canaan, situated near the border of Egypt and Philistia.
What is the meaning of Rapha, Raphah in the Bible?
Rapha is identified as a Philistine city mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in 1 Samuel 6:16 and 1 Chronicles 18:1, located in the region of the Philistine pentapolis.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Rapha as a geographical boundary marker helps clarify the territorial extent of the Philistine territories and their interactions with neighboring kingdoms during the early monarchy period.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Rapha, Raphah (located near modern Rafah) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Rapha, Raphah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Rapha, Raphah clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
1 Samuel 6:161 Chronicles 18:1
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Rapha, Raphah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/rapha-raphah/