Editing Rahab (section)

==In the New Testament==
In the New Testament, Rahab (Greek ''Ῥαάβ'') of the Book of Joshua is mentioned as an example of a person of faith<ref name=Hebrews /> and of good works.<ref name=James /> Rahab is referred to as "the harlot" in each of these passages.

The Epistle to the Hebrews includes her in its list of faithful figures: "By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies" ({{bibleverse|Hebrews|11:31}}). Reformed theologian John Calvin wrote that "Rahab’s faith was no common thing, to cast in her lot with the people of God and to put her life in danger to save the spies."<ref>John Calvin, Commentary on Hebrews, in Calvin's Commentaries, ed. Joseph Haroutunian (Westminster Press, 1960).</ref> D.A. Carson similarly notes that Rahab "shows how true belief transforms even the most unlikely lives."<ref>D.A. Carson, New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, InterVarsity Press, 1994.</ref> Her inclusion highlights her trust in the God of Israel and her courageous actions during the conquest of Jericho.

A different spelling of the name, ''Rachab'' (as transliterated in the King James translation of the Greek ''Ῥαχάβ'') is mentioned in the [[Gospel of Matthew]] as one of the ancestors of [[Jesus]] ([[Matthew 1:5]]). She married [[Salmon (biblical)|Salmon]] of the [[Tribe of Judah]] and was the mother of [[Boaz]]. Most other [[Bible translations into English|English Bibles]] transcribe her name as ''Rahab''.

Some have conjectured that Jesus invoked the name of “Rahab” (רחב) by writing it in the sand when he protected the adulteress from stoning (John 8:6). Through this act he would have reminded the hypocritical Pharisees of the righteous prostitute in their own ancestry.