Home/Objects/Rahab’s Scarlet Cord

Rahab’s Scarlet Cord

The Conquest

Meaning: “A line of scarlet thread in the window

A scarlet sign of rescue — faith marked by blood-red deliverance.

The scarlet cord Rahab tied in her window so her household would be spared in the fall of Jericho.

What It Was

In return for hiding the spies, Rahab was told to bind “this line of scarlet thread in the window”; every soul inside her house would be spared when Jericho fell (Joshua 2:18). She did so, and she and her family were saved (Joshua 6:23).

Biblical Significance & Symbolism

The scarlet cord recalls the Passover blood on the doorposts — a visible mark of faith that brings deliverance from judgment. Rahab is honoured in Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25, and appears in the genealogy of Christ (Matthew 1:5).

Timeline

1406 BC

Rahab ties the scarlet cord in her window

Joshua 2:21

Scripture References

2 verses
Joshua2 verses

Joshua 2:18

Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee. bring: Heb. gather

Joshua 2:21

And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.

Topics & Symbolism

Biblical themes this object points to and helps interpret.

SalvationFaithDeliveranceReconnaissance2×Token2×Treaty2×Window1×

Related people

Rahab
Joshua

Related places

Jericho

Frequently asked about Rahab’s Scarlet Cord

What was Rahab’s Scarlet Cord in the Bible?

The scarlet cord Rahab tied in her window so her household would be spared in the fall of Jericho.

What does Rahab’s Scarlet Cord symbolize?

A scarlet sign of rescue — faith marked by blood-red deliverance.

What does the name Rahab’s Scarlet Cord mean?

The name Rahab’s Scarlet Cord means “A line of scarlet thread in the window”.

What was Rahab’s Scarlet Cord made of?

Rahab’s Scarlet Cord was made of scarlet cord.

Where was Rahab’s Scarlet Cord kept?

Rahab’s Scarlet Cord was kept at Rahab’s window in the wall of Jericho.

Where is Rahab’s Scarlet Cord first mentioned in the Bible?

Rahab’s Scarlet Cord is first mentioned in Joshua 2:18.

How often is Rahab’s Scarlet Cord mentioned in the Bible?

Rahab’s Scarlet Cord is mentioned in 2 verses across 1 book: Joshua.

What was the significance of Rahab’s scarlet cord?

It marked her house for deliverance when Jericho fell, sparing all inside — a sign of faith echoing the Passover blood (Joshua 2:18; 6:23).

Sermon Mate

Preach on Rahab’s Scarlet Cord?

Build your outline, link these Scripture passages, and draw out the symbolism in Sermon Mate — the workspace for ministry leaders.

Open Sermon Mate →