רָחֵל
Rachel / Rachel
“Ewe/lamb”
Rachel (רָחֵל, Rachel) is a Hebrew girl's name meaning “ewe/lamb,” pronounced “ra-KHEL.” From the Hebrew רָחֵל (rachel) meaning 'ewe' (a female sheep). In the pastoral culture of ancient Israel, this was a gentle, feminine name associated with tenderness and beauty. Jacob first encountered Rachel while she was shepherding her father's flock.
| Hebrew | רָחֵל |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Rachel |
| English Name | Rachel |
| Meaning | Ewe/lamb |
| Pronunciation | ra-KHEL |
| Gender | Girl |
| Category | Female Biblical Names |
| Variants | Rachael, Raquel, Rahel, Rakhil |
| Key Scripture | Jeremiah 31:15-17 |
Rachel is the great love story of the Hebrew Bible — the woman for whom Jacob worked fourteen years, the wife he loved so deeply that seven years of labor 'seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her' (Genesis 29:20). Her name means 'ewe' or 'lamb,' a pastoral image that belies the fierce, sometimes desperate woman within. Rachel struggled with barrenness, competed bitterly with her sister Leah, stole her father's household gods, and died tragically in childbirth on the road to Bethlehem. Yet Jewish tradition honors her as the matriarch who weeps for her exiled children — and Jeremiah's prophecy promises that her tears will be rewarded with their return.
Key Scripture: Jeremiah 31:15-17
“A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more... 'Restrain your voice from weeping... for your children will return.'”
What Does Rachel Mean in Hebrew?
The word רָחֵל (rachel) simply means 'ewe' or 'female sheep.' It is a common noun used as a proper name. The pastoral image was tender and positive in the ancient Near Eastern context, where shepherding was a noble occupation. Jacob met Rachel at the well while she was shepherding — the name perfectly matched her world.
Rachel in the Bible
Rachel is the third matriarch, the beloved wife of Jacob, and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Her story encompasses the great love saga of Genesis, the rivalry with her sister Leah, and the tragedy of dying in childbirth. She is buried on the road to Bethlehem, and her tomb remains a pilgrimage site. Jeremiah 31:15 portrays Rachel weeping for her exiled children.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
Rachel's Tomb near Bethlehem is one of the holiest sites in Judaism, visited by thousands of pilgrims annually. In Jewish tradition, Rachel represents the compassionate mother who intercedes for her children's return from exile. The image of 'Mother Rachel' weeping has become a powerful symbol of Jewish hope and longing throughout centuries of dispersion.
Rachel was a top-10 girls' name in the United States throughout the 1990s and 2000s, partly boosted by the character Rachel Green in 'Friends.' It remains popular in the top 200. In Israel, Rachel is one of the most classic and beloved names.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rachel
What does Rachel mean in Hebrew?
Rachel (רָחֵל, Rachel) means “Ewe/lamb” in Hebrew. From the Hebrew רָחֵל (rachel) meaning 'ewe' (a female sheep). In the pastoral culture of ancient Israel, this was a gentle, feminine name associated with tenderness and beauty. Jacob first encountered Rachel while she was shepherding her father's flock.
How do you pronounce Rachel in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Rachel is “ra-KHEL.” The name is written רָחֵל in Hebrew script.
What does Rachel mean in Hebrew?
Rachel (רָחֵל) means 'ewe' or 'lamb' in Hebrew — a gentle, pastoral image that was considered beautiful and feminine in the ancient Near East. Jacob first met Rachel while she was shepherding her father's flock at a well, making the name perfectly fitting. The pastoral imagery also connects to the broader biblical theme of God as shepherd of His people.
Why does Rachel weep for her children in the Bible?
In Jeremiah 31:15, the prophet portrays Rachel weeping inconsolably for her children who have been carried into exile. Since Rachel was buried near Bethlehem — along the route the exiles would have traveled to Babylon — she is envisioned as mourning as they pass her tomb. But God promises: 'Your children will return to their own land' (31:17).
Where is Rachel buried?
According to Genesis 35:19-20, Rachel died in childbirth and was buried 'on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).' Rachel's Tomb, located near modern Bethlehem, is one of the holiest Jewish pilgrimage sites. The traditional structure has been a place of prayer for centuries, especially for women seeking fertility.
Sources & Further Study
Related Hebrew Words
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Explore other names in the Female Biblical Names collection
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