King James Version

What Does Hebrews 11:31 Mean?

Hebrews 11:31 in the King James Version says “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. that: or...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. that: or, that were disobedient”

Hebrews 11:31 · KJV

FaithPeace

Context

29

By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

30

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

31

By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. that: or, that were disobedient

32

And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:

33

Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

Read Hebrews 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. Rahab's inclusion in faith's hall demonstrates God's grace extending even to unlikely candidates. A Canaanite prostitute from doomed Jericho, she exercised saving faith while her entire culture 'believed not' (apeithēsasin, ἀπειθήσασιν, 'disobeyed' or 'disbelieved'). Her faith, demonstrated by hiding Israelite spies and confessing God's supremacy (Joshua 2:8-11), saved her and her household from Jericho's destruction.

Rahab's faith confession is remarkable: 'The LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath' (Joshua 2:11). Despite pagan upbringing, she recognized Yahweh's sovereignty based on reports of His works—Red Sea crossing, defeating kings. Faith came from hearing God's mighty acts (Romans 10:17). She risked everything to align with God's people, trusting His promises over her own people's futile resistance.

James cites Rahab as an example that 'faith without works is dead' (James 2:25-26). Her faith produced action—hiding spies, lying to protect them, displaying the scarlet cord. Matthew's genealogy includes Rahab in Messiah's line (Matthew 1:5), showing God's grace grafts unlikely people into His redemptive purposes. Her example encourages that no one's background disqualifies them from salvation—even pagans from condemned cultures can be saved by genuine faith in God's revealed character and promises.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Rahab lived in Jericho, a Canaanite city devoted to pagan deities like Baal and Asherah, practicing idolatry and sexual immorality as religious acts. Ancient Near Eastern 'harlots' sometimes served cultic functions in pagan temples. Jericho's inhabitants knew Israel's reputation—forty years had passed since the Exodus, providing time for reports to spread throughout Canaan. Rahab's statement that hearts melted with fear (Joshua 2:11) shows widespread knowledge of God's power. Her faith stands in stark contrast to her culture's hardened unbelief. Her marriage to Salmon (Matthew 1:5) and inclusion in Christ's genealogy demonstrates complete acceptance into God's covenant people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Rahab's inclusion in faith's hall encourage you that no background disqualifies someone from salvation?
  2. What risks has genuine faith required you to take, aligning with God's people despite personal cost?
  3. In what ways does Rahab's example challenge cultural or personal prejudices about who can be saved?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
Πίστει1 of 13

“By faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

Ῥαὰβ2 of 13

“Rahab”

G4460

raab (i.e., rachab), a canaanitess

ἡ3 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόρνη4 of 13

“the harlot”

G4204

a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater

οὐ5 of 13

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

συναπώλετο6 of 13

“perished”

G4881

to destroy (middle voice or passively, be slain) in company with

τοῖς7 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀπειθήσασιν8 of 13

“with them that believed not”

G544

to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely)

δεξαμένη9 of 13

“when she had received”

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

τοὺς10 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κατασκόπους11 of 13

“the spies”

G2685

a reconnoiterer

μετ'12 of 13

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

εἰρήνης13 of 13

“peace”

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 11:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 11:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 2:25Joshua 6:22-25Matthew 1:5Joshua 2:1-24Matthew 1:1Joshua 1:1

Test Your Knowledge

Hebrews 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHebrews Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Hebrews 11 with CommentaryAll Hebrews ChaptersComplete Hebrews QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes