Bible Dictionaries

Bridgeway Bible Dictionary

Rephaim

Prior to Israel’s conquest of Canaan, the Rephaim were scattered over a wide area on both sides of the Jordan. They were one of many groups who were to be destroyed when Israel took possession of Canaan (Genesis 14:5; Genesis 15:20; Deuteronomy 2:9-11; Deuteronomy 2:19-21). They were of large stature (comparable in size to the Anakim; see ANAK), and were feared by other peoples of the region (Deuteronomy 2:10-11; Deuteronomy 2:20-21; Joshua 12:4). There was a valley west of Jerusalem known as the Valley of Rephaim (Joshua 15:8; 2 Samuel 5:18).