Raphaim
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Raphaim in the Bible?
Raphaim is identified in the Book of Judith as the father of Hilkiah and the maternal grandfather of Judith. This genealogical detail appears in Judith 8:1, though the name is absent in the Codex Vaticanus.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Raphaim as Judith's grandfather clarifies her family lineage, which serves to establish her noble status and piety within the narrative, thereby reinforcing the theological theme that God delivers Israel through faithful individuals of distinguished heritage.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Raphaim reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Raphaim in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Raphaim clarify?
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
"Raphaim." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/raphaim/