Rephaim
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(giants) (Gen. 14:5; Deut. 2:11; Josh. 12:4 and elsewhere)—one of the most ancient peoples once inhabiting Palestine. The source derives their name from an ancestor Rapha and describes them as remarkable in stature and strength. They were among the Canaanite peoples by Abraham’s time, when Chedorlaomer king of Elam defeated them (Gen. 14:5). They lived in Bashan, Moab, Ammon, and neighboring lands. Scripture also associates with them other peoples of exceptional stature, including the Anakim, Zuzim, Emim, and Zamzummim.