רְפָאִ֥ים
𐤓𐤐𐤀𐤉𐤌
refaim
the shades
from רָפָא in the sense of רָפָה; properly, lax, i.e. (figuratively) a ghost (as dead; in plural only); dead, deceased.
Isaiah 26:19 · Word #14
Lexicon H7496
| Lemma | רָפָא |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤓𐤐𐤀 |
| Transliteration | râphâʼ |
| Strong's | H7496 |
| In-context | the shades |
Morphology HNcmpa
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | N — Noun — A person, place, thing, or idea |
| Subtype | c — Common — Common noun |
| Gender | m — Masculine — Masculine |
| Number | p — Plural — Plural |
| State | a — Absolute — The noun stands independently |
SIBI-P1 H7496-02
the Invigorated Giants
| Root | רפא (r-p-ʾ) |
| Core Meanings | to heal, restore, make whole, invigorate, strengthen |
| Semantic Range | An ancient people of great stature (giants) inhabiting Canaan; legendary pre-Israelite warriors; in poetic texts, the departed spirits or shades in Sheol. |
| Conceptual Significance | The Rephaim represent both formidable primeval nations encountered in Israel’s conquest traditions and, in wisdom and poetic literature, the shadowy dead. The name’s connection to restoration or vigor underscores their portrayal as mighty, enduring figures of ancient renown. |
| Morphological Notes | Masculine plural proper noun; occurs primarily as an ethnonym and occasionally as a designation for the shades of the dead. No pronominal suffix in the listed forms. |
| Rendering Rationale | The term is a masculine plural proper noun (HNp), so the rendering preserves plurality with "Giants." By using "Invigorated," it reflects the underlying root רפא (r-p-ʾ), which conveys healing, restoration, or renewed strength—suggesting beings characterized by unusual vitality or might. |
AI-generated (openai/gpt-5.2-chat-latest)
Words from Root רפא (to heal, restore, make whole, invigorate, strengthen)
| SILEX Code | Transliteration | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
H7495-01 |
barofeim | among the healers |
H8655-01 |
baterafim | in the healing-idols |
H7495-02 |
erepa | I will heal |
Word Usage (8 occurrences of H7496)
| Location | Form | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isaiah 14:9 | רְפָאִים֙ | refaim | shades |
| Isaiah 26:14 | רְפָאִ֖ים | refaim | the departed spirits |
| Isaiah 26:19 | רְפָאִ֥ים | refaim | the shades |