### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Ἐφραίμ (Ephraím)**, represented by `{{G2187}}`, is defined as a **place in Palestine**. Of Hebrew origin, it appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, marking a specific location in the narrative of Jesus's ministry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{G2187}}` occurs in the context of Jesus's withdrawal from public view. Following the raising of Lazarus, Jesus no longer **walked** `{{G4043}}` openly among the **Jews** `{{G2453}}`. Instead, the scripture states He **went** `{{G565}}` to a **country** `{{G5561}}` near the **wilderness** `{{G2048}}` and entered a **city** `{{G4172}}` called **Ephraim**, where He **continued** `{{G1304}}` with His **disciples** `{{G3101}}` [[John 11:54]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words from its only context help define the nature and setting of **Ephraim**:
* `{{G4172}}` **pólis** (city): This identifies **Ephraim** as "a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size):--city." The term is used elsewhere to denote places of great significance, such as the **city** of David [[Luke 2:11]].
* `{{G2048}}` **érēmos** (wilderness): Describing the area near **Ephraim**, this word means "lonesome, i.e. (by implication) waste...:--desert, desolate, solitary, wilderness." The **wilderness** is where Jesus was led to be tempted [[Matthew 4:1]].
* `{{G1304}}` **diatríbō** (continued): This word, meaning to "remain:--abide, be, continue, tarry," describes the action of Jesus and the disciples in **Ephraim**. It indicates a deliberate period of staying in that location [[John 11:54]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2187}}` is tied directly to its role as a specific location in Jesus's life.
* **A Place of Strategic Withdrawal**: **Ephraim** served as a safe haven where Jesus could retreat after His ministry intensified opposition among the **Jews** `{{G2453}}`. He went there to stop walking **openly** `{{G3954}}` [[John 11:54]].
* **A Place of Continued Discipleship**: The text specifies that Jesus **continued** `{{G1304}}` there **with** `{{G3326}}` his **disciples** `{{G3101}}`, marking it as a location for private fellowship and teaching, away from the hostility of the authorities [[John 11:54]].
* **A Place of Seclusion**: Its location **near** `{{G1451}}` the **wilderness** `{{G2048}}` further emphasizes its nature as a remote refuge, a place set apart for a specific purpose, much like when Jesus departed into a **solitary** `{{G2048}}` place to pray [[Mark 1:35]].
### Summary
In summary, **Ephraim** `{{G2187}}` is not a broad concept but a distinct geographical point in the Gospel narrative. Its singular mention marks a crucial moment where Jesus deliberately steps away from the public eye to a secluded city. This location provided a necessary retreat for Him and His disciples, highlighting a period of strategic withdrawal before the final events of His ministry in Jerusalem.
TRV