of Hebrew origin (אֶפְרַיִם or better עֶפְרוֹן); Ephraim, a place in Palestine:--Ephraim.
Transliteration:Ephraím
Pronunciation:ef-rah-im'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Ἐφραίμ (Ephraím), Strong's number `{{G2187}}`, is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name אֶפְרַיִם (Ephraim), meaning "double fruitfulness" or "fruitful twice." While its Hebrew root `{{H669}}` primarily refers to the second son of Joseph and the prominent tribe descended from him, in the New Testament, Ἐφραίμ specifically denotes a geographical location. It refers to a city or region in ancient Judea, distinct from the larger tribal territory of Ephraim, though likely situated within or near its historical bounds. Its semantic range in the New Testament is limited to this singular geographical reference point.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Ἐφραίμ (Ephraím) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of John:
* [[John 11:54]]: "Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples."
This occurrence immediately follows the dramatic raising of Lazarus from the dead and the subsequent intensification of the Jewish leaders' plot to kill Jesus. Jesus' withdrawal to Ephraim is presented as a strategic move, a temporary retreat from the escalating public threat. The description "a country near to the wilderness" (εἰς τὴν χώραν ἐγγὺς τῆς ἐρήμου) provides a geographical marker, suggesting a less populated or more secluded area, offering a measure of safety. This city is often identified with modern-day et-Taiyibeh, located northeast of Jerusalem. The passage emphasizes that Jesus did not cease his ministry but "continued with his disciples," implying a period of concentrated teaching and fellowship in this more private setting, preparing them for the events soon to unfold in Jerusalem.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew original אֶפְרַיִם (Ephraim, `{{H669}}`), which carries a rich history in the Old Testament. This Hebrew term refers to:
* The patriarch Ephraim, son of Joseph and grandson of Jacob.
* The powerful tribe of Ephraim, which played a dominant role in Israel's history, often leading the northern tribes.
* The tribal territory associated with Ephraim.
* Metonymically, the entire northern kingdom of Israel (e.g., in prophetic literature).
In the New Testament context of [[John 11:54]], the related concepts are primarily geographical and theological:
* **Geographical:** The "wilderness" (ἔρημος, `{{G2047}}`) often denotes a place of solitude, testing, or refuge in biblical narratives. The "country" (χώρα, `{{G5561}}`) and "city" (πόλις, `{{G4172}}`) provide the specific setting for Jesus' retreat.
* **Theological:** Concepts of divine timing, strategic withdrawal, prudence, sanctuary, and the ongoing discipleship process are implicitly linked to this passage.
### Theological Significance
The single mention of Ephraim in [[John 11:54]] is laden with theological significance. Jesus' withdrawal to this city is not a demonstration of fear or an abandonment of his mission, but rather an act of profound wisdom and adherence to God's perfect timing. He is not avoiding his destiny, but rather ensuring that his ultimate sacrifice occurs according to the divine schedule, not at the premature instigation of his enemies.
This strategic retreat highlights several aspects of Jesus' character and mission:
1. **Prudence and Humanity:** It underscores Jesus' full humanity, demonstrating a wise and discerning approach to danger, avoiding unnecessary confrontation before the appointed time.
2. **Divine Timing:** It emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all events, including the timing of Jesus' passion. Jesus' life and death are not subject to human machinations but unfold according to the Father's will.
3. **Continued Ministry:** Even in retreat, Jesus "continued with his disciples," indicating that his ministry of teaching and preparation did not cease. Ephraim became a temporary haven for intensive discipleship before the final journey to Jerusalem.
4. **Symbolic Resonance:** While not explicitly stated, the name "Ephraim" (fruitfulness) might subtly resonate with the ongoing "fruitfulness" of Jesus' ministry, even in a period of apparent withdrawal. His work of preparing his disciples and fulfilling prophecy continued unabated.
Ephraim thus serves as a pivotal point in John's narrative, a brief pause that underscores the deliberate, divinely guided progression towards the cross.
### Summary
The Greek word Ἐφραίμ (Ephraím, `{{G2187}}`) is a transliteration of the Hebrew name Ephraim, meaning "fruitful." In the New Testament, it refers exclusively to a specific city in Judea, mentioned only once in [[John 11:54]]. Following the raising of Lazarus, Jesus strategically withdrew to Ephraim with his disciples to escape escalating threats from Jewish leaders. This retreat was a deliberate act of prudence, demonstrating Jesus' adherence to divine timing and his continued commitment to preparing his disciples, rather than a cessation of ministry. Ephraim serves as a temporary sanctuary, highlighting the wisdom and sovereignty guiding Jesus' path towards his ultimate sacrifice in Jerusalem.
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