Hebrews 11:31
By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
Hebrews 11:31 (KJV)
Context
Hebrews 11 is often called the “Hall of Faith” because it recounts men and women whose trust in God shaped their lives. Hebrews 11:31 names Rahab, a Canaanite woman from Jericho, as one of these faithful examples. Her account begins in Joshua 2, when Joshua sent two spies to scout the land before the Israelites’ conquest. Rahab hid the spies and protected them from the king of Jericho, even though doing so put her own life at risk.
Rahab’s background makes her faith all the more striking. She was a Gentile and a harlot, yet she recognised the power of the God of Israel and acknowledged His faithfulness in delivering the Israelites from Egypt. The verse contrasts her with “them that believed not”—the disobedient inhabitants of Jericho who perished. Rahab, by contrast, received the spies “with peace,” a phrase that points to her peaceful welcome and protection of God’s messengers.
Meaning
The Greek text uses the word “harlot” (ἡ πόρνη) plainly, and most translations render it that way. Some Jewish traditions, such as the Targum on Joshua 2:1, suggest the word might mean “innkeeper” or “seller of food,” but the biblical text and the writer of Hebrews emphasise her former life, not to shame her, but to magnify God’s grace. The point is not her past sin but her faith. Rahab believed God’s promise of deliverance and acted on that belief, and because of her faith she did not perish with the unbelieving city.
Her deliverance is tied directly to the fall of Jericho, which the preceding verse (Hebrews 11:30) attributes to faith. Rahab’s salvation was not an isolated reward; it was part of God’s larger work of judgment and redemption. The writer of Hebrews commends her for two things: receiving the spies peaceably and believing in the salvation she would receive, even while the rest of Jericho faced destruction.
Biblical connections
God’s Inclusivity: Rahab’s story shows that God’s grace is not limited by social status, ethnicity, or past mistakes. God welcomes all who turn to Him in faith, regardless of their background.
Genuine Faith Requires Action: Rahab’s faith was not merely intellectual; it led her to hide the spies and risk her life. True faith in God results in actions that demonstrate trust and obedience.
God Rewards Faith: Rahab was not only saved from Jericho’s destruction but was also included in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). Her faith had lasting implications beyond her own lifetime.
Application
Trust God’s Promises: Like Rahab, we should trust in God’s promises and have confidence in His faithfulness, even in challenging circumstances.
Act on Our Faith: Genuine faith should motivate us to obey God, even when it seems risky or goes against societal norms.
Embrace God’s Inclusivity: God’s salvation is available to all who believe, regardless of their past or background. We should extend love and acceptance to others as God has done for us.
Reflection
Rahab’s place in the Hall of Faith reminds us that God’s approval rests on faith, not on heritage or moral perfection. Her example encourages us that faith can lead to deliverance even in the midst of judgment, and that God can work through anyone who turns to Him in trust.
