See Joshua 2.1-21, particularly verses 11-12; also Joshua 6.22-25. The precise way in which Rahab showed her faith is not stated. Jerusalem Bible suggests that it was by her friendly welcome of the spies: “It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute welcomed the spies.” More probably, here “welcome” was thought to be obedience to Israel’s God, and her confidence in the future of Israel as a nation. Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch implies this: “Because the prostitute Rahab trusted God, she gave the Israelite spies a friendly welcome.” This translation has the advantage of making it clear that the faith was Rahab’s. It may, however, be better to follow the order of the Greek text as reflected in Good News Translation; for example, “Because the prostitute Rahab trusted God, she was not killed with those who disobeyed God, for she welcomed into her home the Israelite spies,” “… those Israelites who were spying out the land,” or “… those Israelites who had come to see what the land was like.”

God is implied. The Greek phrase for those who disobeyed God is used also in 3.18, though there the reference is to a different group.

Gave … a friendly welcome is literally “receiving with peace” and may imply the “kiss of peace.” However, this latter expression is best avoided in this context, unless the custom is common in the receptor culture and has no sexual connotations.

The meaning of the words for spies needs careful analysis, if the right expression is to be chosen in translation. The main element is someone sent out to reconnoiter, especially in foreign territory. Secrecy is also implied in Joshua 2. In some languages “spy” is a despised term, and in such cases an alternative should be found, such as Phillips‘ “the Israelites sent out to reconnoiter.”

Quoted with permission from Ellingworth, Paul and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Letter of the Hebrews. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1983. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .