What Does “Heal” Mean in Hebrew?

What does “heal” mean in Hebrew? The Hebrew word for heal is lrpA. There are two common pronunciations, lrpA. Learn more about each here. Also read about the meaning of the word rephu’ah. This article also introduces the words rephu’ah and teraphim. The Hebrew word for heal has the same pronunciation as its English counterpart.

Rephu’ah

The word “Rephu’ah” in Hebrew means “healing.” The feminine passive participle iaomai is better rendered as “good medicine” or “medicine.” This word occurs in the New Testament in connection with the miracles of Jesus. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, however, the word “healing” is more frequently rendered as “iaomai.”

Teraphim

The term “teraphim” is not clear. The word is a plural form of trp tereph, meaning house-gods. There are various translations of this word. The Septuagint renders it as “figures,” while Aquila translates it as “symbols.” Older Bible versions translate it as “household gods.” It is unclear whether or not teraphim were the actual gods of the ancient Israelites, but the idea is that these were the ancestors who inhabited the earth.

Traditionally, teraphim were small images of gods. They were often made of wood, clay, or precious metals. They were used as household gods and carried around as protective charms. However, modern researchers are uncertain about their role in the healing process. While they may have benefited ancient Israelites in the form of aphrodisiacs, they are not known to have cured people.

Despite these differences, there is one thing that should be known about the meaning of “teraphim” in the Hebrew Bible. In the Bible, this word is used as a plural of gods. However, in Rabbinical writings, it is used as a singular. Although this translation is accurate, many modern etymologists disagree. Teraphim is best understood as household gods or idols.

The first mention of teraphim comes from Ge 31:19, when Rachel stole them from Laban. Rachel hid the teraphim under a hiran, a coarse carpet used to cover a camel’s pack-saddle. It was a wise move. In addition to healing, teraphim also served as protection. The Bible shows that idolatrous images must be separated from believers.

The worship of teraphim was not indigenous to the Israelites. In fact, the deity is described as a god of the strangers in Gen. xxxv.4. Further, Teraphim healing in Hebrew has a religious significance. The Hebrew language includes a rich and intricately detailed description of the teraphim’s role in healing. If teraphim healing is true, the Hebrew language has a profound connection to the Hebrew Bible.

In a parallel passage from Genesis, the teraphim could have served as diviners. In fact, the teraphim could pass for a human image when hidden in a small, dark recess. Likewise, the word teraphim can be translated to mean “sun, moon, or polestar” in the Persian text. Regardless of their actual function, teraphim healing in Hebrew is often equated with divination.

A second source for this passage is the story of Rachel and the priestly role of Teraphim. In the Torah, Rachel’s mother and grandmother were regarded as priests of the Teraphim. The Amalekites did not recognize them, but he and his mother did. He then hired Jonathan as a regular priest and hoped for a special blessing from Jehovah. After a successful encounter with the Teraphim, the Israelites had a strong foundation for a strong religion.