Bible Words Starting with R

Welcome back to our exciting series on Bible Words from A to Z! The Bible words starting with R is the focus in this post and when reaching for R words in the Bible, I came across several life changing words like Redemption, Resurrection, Repentance, Righteousness, and Revelation.

I want you to spend time reflecting on some of these words and how they impact your life. Meditate on them day and night so you can grow in the knowledge of Christ.

Share these words with your friends and family members so they too can experience the life-transforming power of God's Word. I would recommend choosing one R word each week to study in depth, starting with Redemption, Resurrection, or Repentance.

Bible Words Starting with R for Kids

Places & Locations

• Rome: Rome was the capital of the vast empire that ruled during Jesus' time and where Paul was imprisoned while writing several epistles. (Acts 18:2, Acts 28:16, Romans 1:7)
• Red Sea: The Red Sea was miraculously parted by God to deliver Israel from Egypt's army during the Exodus. (Exodus 14:21-22, Exodus 15:4, Hebrews 11:29)
• Ramah: Ramah was a city in Benjamin where the prophet Samuel was born, lived, and judged Israel. (1 Samuel 1:19, 1 Samuel 7:17, Jeremiah 31:15)
• River Jordan: The River Jordan was miraculously crossed by Israel entering the Promised Land and where Jesus was baptized by John. (Joshua 3:17, Matthew 3:13, 2 Kings 5:10)
• Rephidim: Rephidim was the wilderness location where Moses struck the rock for water and Israel defeated Amalek through prayer. (Exodus 17:1, Exodus 17:8)
• Rabbah: Rabbah was the capital city of the Ammonites where David stayed during Uriah's death and later conquered it. (2 Samuel 11:1, 2 Samuel 12:26)
• Riblah: Riblah was the Syrian city where Nebuchadnezzar's headquarters were located and where Zedekiah was judged. (2 Kings 25:6, 2 Kings 25:21)
• Ramoth Gilead: Ramoth Gilead was a city of refuge east of the Jordan where King Ahab was mortally wounded in battle. (1 Kings 22:3, 1 Kings 22:34)
• Region of Galatia: The region of Galatia in Asia Minor contained churches Paul established and later wrote to addressing legalism. (Acts 16:6, Galatians 1:2)
• Rogelim: Rogelim was the town in Gilead whose residents provided supplies for David when he fled from Absalom's rebellion. (2 Samuel 17:27, 2 Samuel 19:31)

People & Prophets

• Ruth: Ruth was a Moabite woman who chose to follow her mother-in-law Naomi and the God of Israel, becoming an ancestor of Jesus through her marriage to Boaz. (Ruth 1:16, Ruth 4:13, Matthew 1:5)
• Rachel: Rachel was Jacob's beloved wife, mother of Joseph and Benjamin, who died giving birth and was buried near Bethlehem. (Genesis 29:18, Genesis 35:19, Jeremiah 31:15)
• Rebekah: Rebekah was Isaac's wife chosen by Abraham's servant, mother of twins Jacob and Esau, who helped Jacob receive Isaac's blessing. (Genesis 24:67, Genesis 25:23, Genesis 27:13)
• Rehoboam: Rehoboam was Solomon's son whose harsh policies split the kingdom of Israel into northern and southern kingdoms. (1 Kings 11:43, 1 Kings 12:13-14, 2 Chronicles 10:19)
• Reuben: Reuben was Jacob's firstborn son who lost his birthright due to sin but tried to save Joseph from his brothers. (Genesis 35:23, Genesis 37:21-22, Genesis 49:3-4)
• Rahab: Rahab was the Canaanite prostitute in Jericho who hid the Israelite spies and was saved when the city fell, becoming an ancestor of Jesus. (Joshua 2:1, Joshua 6:25, Matthew 1:5)
• Rufus: Rufus was the son of Simon of Cyrene who carried Jesus' cross, mentioned as a notable believer in the Roman church. (Mark 15:21, Romans 16:13)
• Rhoda: Rhoda was a servant girl who answered the door when Peter knocked after his miraculous escape from prison but was too excited to let him in. (Acts 12:13-15)
• Reuel: Reuel was Moses' father-in-law, also known as Jethro, the priest of Midian who gave wise counsel about leadership. (Exodus 2:18, Exodus 18:1)
• Rizpah: Rizpah was Saul's concubine who faithfully guarded the bodies of her sons after they were executed, moving David to honor them. (2 Samuel 3:7, 2 Samuel 21:10-11)

Objects & Symbols

• Rainbow: The rainbow was God's sign of His covenant with Noah never to destroy the earth again by flood. (Genesis 9:13, Genesis 9:16, Revelation 4:3)
• Rod: A rod was a staff or stick used for discipline, guidance, and performing miracles, notably Moses' rod that became a serpent. (Exodus 4:2, Psalm 23:4, Proverbs 13:24)
• Robe: Robes were outer garments signifying status or office, including the colorful robe Jacob gave Joseph and the robe placed on Jesus. (Genesis 37:3, Luke 15:22, Revelation 7:9)
• Ring: A ring symbolized authority and honor, such as Pharaoh's signet ring given to Joseph and the ring given to the prodigal son. (Genesis 41:42, Luke 15:22, Esther 3:10)
• Rock: Rock symbolized God as the firm foundation and source of salvation, with Christ called the spiritual rock. (Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 18:2, 1 Corinthians 10:4)
• Reed: A reed was a tall grass plant used to make measuring rods, and a reed was mockingly placed in Jesus' hand as a scepter. (Revelation 11:1, Matthew 27:29, Isaiah 42:3)
• Ram's Horn: A ram's horn or shofar was blown at significant religious events including the fall of Jericho's walls. (Joshua 6:4-5, Leviticus 25:9)
• Rope: Rope was used for various purposes including the scarlet rope Rahab used to help the spies escape from Jericho. (Joshua 2:15, Acts 27:32)
• Roll (Scroll): A roll or scroll contained written documents, particularly Scripture, which Ezekiel ate symbolically in his vision. (Ezekiel 3:1, Jeremiah 36:2, Revelation 5:1)
• Ruby: A ruby was a precious red stone valued highly, used to describe wisdom's worth and appearing in prophetic visions. (Proverbs 3:15, Proverbs 31:10)

Spiritual Concepts

• Redemption: Redemption is the act of purchasing freedom from slavery to sin through Christ's blood, granting believers complete salvation. (Ephesians 1:7, Romans 3:24, Colossians 1:14)
• Resurrection: Resurrection is rising from the dead to new life, demonstrated by Christ's victory over death and promised to all believers. (1 Corinthians 15:20, John 11:25, Romans 6:5)
• Repentance: Repentance is turning away from sin toward God with genuine sorrow and commitment to change, essential for salvation. (Acts 3:19, 2 Corinthians 7:10, Luke 13:3)
• Righteousness: Righteousness is the state of being right with God through faith in Christ, who becomes our righteousness. (2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 3:22, Philippians 3:9)
• Reconciliation: Reconciliation is the restoration of relationship between God and humanity accomplished through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Romans 5:10, Colossians 1:20)
• Regeneration: Regeneration is the spiritual rebirth that occurs when the Holy Spirit gives new life to a believer at salvation. (Titus 3:5, John 3:3, 1 Peter 1:23)
• Revelation: Revelation is God's disclosure of Himself and His truth to humanity through Scripture, creation, and supremely in Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:12, 2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 1:1-2)
• Ransom: A ransom is the price paid to free a captive, fulfilled by Christ who gave His life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45, 1 Timothy 2:6, Matthew 20:28)
• Renewal: Renewal is the ongoing transformation of believers by the Holy Spirit into Christ's image through Scripture and spiritual growth. (Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 4:16, Titus 3:5)
• Rest: Rest represents the spiritual peace and cessation from striving that believers find in Christ and will experience fully in heaven. (Matthew 11:28, Hebrews 4:9-10, Revelation 14:13)

Actions & Practices

• Rejoice: To rejoice means to express great joy and delight, commanded throughout Scripture as believers celebrate God's goodness. (Philippians 4:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:16, Psalm 118:24)
• Repent: To repent is to turn from sin and turn toward God with heartfelt sorrow and commitment to changed behavior. (Mark 1:15, Acts 2:38, Revelation 2:5)
• Redeem: To redeem is to buy back or rescue from bondage, accomplished by Christ who purchased our freedom from sin. (Galatians 3:13, Titus 2:14, Psalm 130:7-8)
• Receive: To receive means to accept what is offered, particularly receiving Christ by faith and the gifts God provides. (John 1:12, Acts 1:8, James 1:21)
• Resist: To resist means to actively oppose or stand against, commanded regarding the devil who will flee when resisted. (James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:9, Ephesians 6:13)
• Restore: To restore means to bring back to original condition, which God does with fallen believers and broken relationships. (Galatians 6:1, Psalm 51:12, Joel 2:25)
• Remember: To remember is to keep in mind and act upon, commanded regarding God's works, words, and the Lord's Supper. (1 Corinthians 11:24, Deuteronomy 8:2, Psalm 103:2)
• Reckon: To reckon means to count or consider something as true, as believers reckon themselves dead to sin but alive to God. (Romans 6:11, Romans 4:3)
• Rebuild: To rebuild is to construct again what was destroyed, as Nehemiah rebuilt Jerusalem's walls and God rebuilds lives. (Nehemiah 2:17, Amos 9:11, Isaiah 58:12)
• Rebuke: To rebuke is to express sharp disapproval or correction, done by Jesus to demons and by believers to sin. (Luke 4:35, 2 Timothy 4:2, Proverbs 27:5)

Attributes & Titles of God

• Redeemer: Redeemer is a title emphasizing God's role in buying back and rescuing His people from slavery to sin. (Job 19:25, Isaiah 59:20, Psalm 19:14)
• Rock: Rock is a metaphor for God's unchanging strength, stability, and reliability as the foundation of believers' lives. (Psalm 18:2, 2 Samuel 22:47, Deuteronomy 32:4)
• Refuge: Refuge describes God as a safe place of protection and shelter from life's storms and spiritual dangers. (Psalm 46:1, Psalm 91:2, Proverbs 14:26)
• Righteous One: Righteous One is a title for Jesus emphasizing His perfect moral character and sinless nature. (Acts 3:14, 1 John 2:1, Acts 7:52)
• Risen Lord: Risen Lord acknowledges Jesus' victory over death through His resurrection and His current position of authority. (Romans 14:9, Acts 2:36)
• Rabbi: Rabbi was a title of respect meaning "teacher" used to address Jesus by His disciples and others. (John 1:38, John 3:2, Mark 9:5)
• Ruler: Ruler describes God's sovereign authority over all creation and Christ as the ruler of God's kingdom. (1 Chronicles 29:12, Revelation 1:5, Matthew 2:6)
• Righteous Judge: Righteous Judge emphasizes God's perfect justice in evaluating all people and actions with complete fairness. (2 Timothy 4:8, Psalm 7:11)
• Refiner: Refiner describes God as one who purifies His people through trials like precious metal is refined by fire. (Malachi 3:3, Zechariah 13:9)
• Restorer: Restorer highlights God's work in bringing back what was lost or damaged, renewing people and situations. (Psalm 23:3, Joel 2:25)

Spiritual Beings & Forces

• Remnant: The remnant is the faithful minority within Israel who remained true to God and through whom He preserved His purposes. (Romans 11:5, Isaiah 10:21, 2 Kings 19:31)
• Remnant Church: The remnant church represents the true believers in the last days who keep God's commandments and hold to Jesus. (Revelation 12:17, Revelation 14:12)
• Reprobate: A reprobate is someone rejected by God due to persistent unbelief and rebellion, having a depraved mind. (Romans 1:28, 2 Timothy 3:8, Titus 1:16)
• Redeemed: The redeemed are those who have been purchased from sin's slavery through Christ's blood and belong to God. (Revelation 5:9, Galatians 3:13, 1 Peter 1:18-19)
• Righteous: The righteous are those declared right with God through faith in Christ, living according to His standards. (Proverbs 10:28, Matthew 13:43, Romans 5:19)
• Rephaim: The Rephaim were a race of giants who inhabited Canaan before Israel's conquest, feared for their size and strength. (Genesis 14:5, Deuteronomy 2:20, Joshua 12:4)
• Roaring Lion: The roaring lion is a metaphor for Satan who prowls seeking to devour believers through temptation and persecution. (1 Peter 5:8)
• Royal Priesthood: Royal priesthood describes believers who serve as priests before God with direct access to Him through Christ. (1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:6)
• Ruler of Darkness: Ruler of darkness refers to Satan's dominion over the kingdom of evil and spiritual blindness. (Ephesians 6:12, Colossians 1:13)
• Rechabites: The Rechabites were a nomadic clan who faithfully obeyed their ancestor's commands, commended for their obedience. (Jeremiah 35:6, Jeremiah 35:19)

Biblical Events

• Resurrection of Jesus: Jesus' resurrection on the third day defeated death and validated His claims, becoming the cornerstone of Christian faith. (Matthew 28:6, 1 Corinthians 15:4, Romans 1:4)
• Red Sea Crossing: The Red Sea crossing was God's miraculous parting of the waters allowing Israel to escape Egypt's pursuing army. (Exodus 14:21-22, Exodus 14:29-30)
• Return from Exile: The return from Exile was the restoration of the Jewish people to their homeland after 70 years of Babylonian captivity. (Ezra 1:1-3, Ezra 2:1)
• Raising of Lazarus: Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead after four days in the tomb, demonstrating His power over death. (John 11:43-44, John 11:25)
• Rahab Saves Spies: Rahab hid Israelite spies in Jericho and helped them escape, securing safety for her family during the city's conquest. (Joshua 2:4-6, Joshua 6:25)
• Rapture: The rapture is the anticipated event when believers will be caught up to meet Christ in the air at His coming. (1 Thessalonians 4:17, 1 Corinthians 15:52)
• Road to Emmaus: Two disciples encountered the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus but didn't recognize Him until He broke bread. (Luke 24:13-35)
• Rending of the Veil: The temple veil was torn from top to bottom at Jesus' death, symbolizing access to God's presence. (Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, Hebrews 10:20)
• Ram in the Thicket: God provided a ram caught in a thicket as a substitute sacrifice when Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac. (Genesis 22:13)
• Rebuilding the Temple: After the exile, Zerubbabel led the effort to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem despite opposition and delays. (Ezra 3:8, Ezra 6:15)

Hebrew & Greek Terms

• Ruach: Ruach is the Hebrew word for "spirit," "wind," or "breath," referring to God's Spirit or the human spirit. (Genesis 1:2, Ezekiel 37:9, Psalm 51:10)
• Rhema: Rhema is Greek for a spoken word or utterance, often referring to specific words God speaks to individuals. (Romans 10:17, Ephesians 6:17)
• Racham: Racham is Hebrew for "compassion" or "mercy," describing God's tender care and loving-kindness toward His people. (Psalm 103:13, Isaiah 49:15)
• Rosh: Rosh is Hebrew for "head" or "beginning," used in titles like Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year). (Genesis 1:1, Exodus 12:2)
• Rabboni: Rabboni is Aramaic for "my teacher," a title of great respect Mary Magdalene used when she recognized the risen Jesus. (John 20:16, Mark 10:51)
• Rinnah: Rinnah is Hebrew for "joyful shout" or "cry of joy," expressing exuberant praise to God. (Psalm 30:5, Psalm 126:5)
• Rapha: Rapha is Hebrew meaning "to heal," appearing in the name Jehovah Rapha (The Lord Who Heals). (Exodus 15:26, Psalm 103:3)
• Rhiza: Rhiza is Greek for "root," used metaphorically for the foundation or source of something, including spiritual roots. (Romans 11:16, Colossians 2:7)
• Raca: Raca is an Aramaic term of contempt meaning "empty-headed" or "worthless," condemned by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 5:22)
• Rea: Rea is Hebrew for "friend" or "companion," used to describe close relationships including God's friendship with believers. (Exodus 33:11, Proverbs 18:24)

Covenants & Promises

• Rainbow Covenant: The rainbow covenant was God's promise never to destroy the earth again by flood, marked by the rainbow sign. (Genesis 9:11-13, Genesis 9:16)
• Resurrection Promise: God promises that believers will be raised from death to eternal life just as Christ was raised. (1 Corinthians 15:22, John 6:40, 1 Thessalonians 4:16)
• Righteous Branch: God promised a righteous Branch from David's line who would reign wisely and execute justice, fulfilled in Christ. (Jeremiah 23:5, Jeremiah 33:15)
• Restored Kingdom: God promised to restore Israel's kingdom and David's throne, ultimately fulfilled in Christ's eternal reign. (Acts 1:6, Amos 9:11, Luke 1:32-33)
• Remnant Preserved: God promised to preserve a faithful remnant of His people through all trials and judgments. (Isaiah 10:22, Romans 11:5)
• Return from Exile: God promised that His people would return from Babylonian captivity after 70 years of judgment. (Jeremiah 29:10, 2 Chronicles 36:21)
• Rivers of Living Water: Jesus promised that believers would have rivers of living water flowing from within through the Holy Spirit. (John 7:38, John 4:14)
• Reward for Faithfulness: God promises to reward those who diligently seek Him and remain faithful despite trials. (Hebrews 11:6, Matthew 25:21, Revelation 2:10)
• Rest for Your Souls: Jesus promised rest for the souls of those who come to Him and take His yoke upon them. (Matthew 11:28-29)
• Reign with Christ: Believers are promised they will reign with Christ if they endure and remain faithful to Him. (2 Timothy 2:12, Revelation 20:6, Revelation 5:10)

What’s Next?

Stay tuned for Bible words starting with S in our next series with words such as "salvation", "shepherd", and many more! Share your favorite R-word story with a friend today!