Brief Overview of Ῥαιφάν (Strong’s G4481: Rhaiphan)

Strong’s G4481: A proper noun of Egyptian or Coptic origin, referring to the star-god Rephan/Remphan, mentioned in Stephen’s speech in Acts as an example of Israel’s idolatry. Likely corresponds to Saturn in ancient astral worship, symbolizing the depths of Israel’s departure from true worship.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ῥαιφάν represents a significant example of ancient astral worship and idolatry. In the New Testament, Stephen uses this reference to indict Israel’s historical unfaithfulness to God. The early church fathers, including Origen and Clement of Alexandria, saw in this name a warning against any form of idolatry that diverts worship from the true God. Today, it serves as a powerful reminder of humanity’s tendency to create and worship false gods, whether celestial objects or modern substitutes for divine worship.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Ῥαιφάν, Rhaiphan, /hray-fan/
• Detailed pronunciation: HRAY-fahn (with emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun (masculine)

Etymology:

• Egyptian/Coptic origin: possibly from “Repa” (Saturn)
• May be related to Egyptian deity Renput
• Transliterated through various languages (Egyptian → Hebrew → Greek)

D – Defining Meanings

• The name of a star-god worshipped by ancient peoples
• A reference to the planet Saturn in astral worship
• A symbol of Israel’s idolatry in the wilderness

For compound words:
This is not a compound word, but a transliteration of a foreign deity name.

Translation Options:

• “Rephan” – common English transliteration
• “Remphan” – alternate English rendering
• “Raiphan” – closer to Greek pronunciation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἄστρον (astron) /as-tron/ – star, celestial body, related to astral worship
  See G798
• εἴδωλον (eidōlon) /ay-doh-lon/ – idol, false god
  See G1497

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a proper noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular only (as a proper name)
• Gender: Masculine
• Indeclinable (remains unchanged in different cases)

Being a proper noun of foreign origin, Ῥαιφάν is indeclinable in Greek, maintaining the same form regardless of its grammatical function.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG identifies Ῥαιφάν as a star deity associated with Saturn. Thayer’s connects it to ancient Semitic astral worship. LSJ notes its Egyptian origins. Vine’s emphasizes its significance in Stephen’s speech about Israel’s idolatry. Strong’s links it to Saturn worship. Moulton and Milligan discuss its various forms in ancient texts and its connection to astral cults.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“You took up the tent of Moloch and the star of your god [Ῥαιφάν] Rephan, the images that you made to worship; and I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.” Acts 7:43

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ῥαιφάν stands as a powerful reminder of humanity’s tendency toward idolatry and the futility of false worship. The good news of King Jesus proclaims that He alone is worthy of worship, having revealed Himself as the true God who became incarnate to save His people from their sins, including the sin of idolatry. This ancient name points us to the exclusive devotion that Jesus deserves.

D – Did You Know?

1. The name appears in different forms in various ancient manuscripts, showing its transmission through multiple languages and cultures.
2. Some scholars connect this deity to ancient Egyptian agricultural festivals related to Saturn’s astronomical cycle.
3. Early Christian writers used this reference to warn against incorporating pagan astrological practices into Christian worship.

Strong’s G4481: A proper noun of Egyptian or Coptic origin, referring to the star-god Rephan/Remphan, mentioned in Stephen’s speech in Acts as an example of Israel’s idolatry. Likely corresponds to Saturn in ancient astral worship, symbolizing the depths of Israel’s departure from true worship.

Part of speech: Proper Noun (masculine)

Tags: Rephan, idol worship, star-god, Saturn, Stephen’s speech, idolatry, false gods, astral worship, Acts, wilderness wandering, ancient Egypt, paganism​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​