from חָפַר or חָפֵר; a pit of shame; Chepher, a place in Palestine; also the name of three Israelites; Hepher.
Transliteration:Chêpher
Pronunciation:khay'-fer
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חֵפֶר (Chêpher), designated by Strong's `{{H2660}}`, functions primarily as a proper noun for both a geographical location and several individuals in the Old Testament. Its etymological root is understood to derive from either חָפַר (châphar, `{{H2658}}`), meaning "to dig" or "to search," or חָפֵר (châpêr, `{{H2659}}`), meaning "to be ashamed" or "to blush." The base definition provided suggests a synthesis of these roots, interpreting חֵפֶר as "a pit of shame." This dual derivation points to a semantic range that encompasses both the physical act of digging (creating a pit) and the emotional state of disgrace or humiliation. While the literal meaning "pit of shame" provides a fascinating linguistic background, its application to proper names often becomes secondary to the identity of the person or place.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חֵפֶר (Chêpher/Hepher) appears in the biblical text in distinct contexts:
1. **A Canaanite City (Chepher):** This is recorded in [[Joshua 12:17]], where "the king of Chepher" is listed among the thirty-one kings defeated by Joshua and the Israelites during the conquest of Canaan. The inclusion of Chepher in this list signifies its status as a significant, independent city-state within the Canaanite landscape. Its defeat is a testament to God's fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel regarding the land.
2. **Hepher, Son of Gilead (Manassite):** This individual is a prominent figure, a descendant of Manasseh through Gilead. He is mentioned in [[Numbers 26:32]] as the head of the Hepherite family (מִשְׁפַּחַת הַחֶפְרִי), a clan within the tribe of Manasseh. His lineage is further traced in [[Joshua 17:2]] and [[1 Chronicles 7:32]]. Notably, Hepher was the father of Zelophehad, whose daughters famously petitioned Moses and Eleazar for an inheritance in the land, as their father had no sons ([[Numbers 27:1-11]]; [[Numbers 36:1-12]]; [[Joshua 17:3-6]]). This narrative highlights the importance of tribal land allotment and the divine provision for justice, even in matters of inheritance.
3. **Hepher, a Mecherathite (David's Mighty Men):** Found in [[1 Chronicles 11:36]], Hepher is listed among David's elite warriors, the "mighty men." His inclusion in this prestigious group underscores his loyalty and prowess in service to King David, contributing to the strength and stability of the nascent Israelite kingdom.
4. **Hepher, a Judahite:** In [[1 Chronicles 4:6]], Hepher is identified as a son of Ashhur, the father of Tekoa, within the genealogies of Judah. This brief mention places him within the tribal framework, though no further narrative details are provided about this specific individual.
In these contexts, the name Chêpher/Hepher functions as a simple identifier. While its etymological root "pit of shame" is intriguing, there is no textual indication that the individuals or the city bore this meaning in a pejorative sense within the biblical narrative. Instead, the name serves to anchor them within the historical and genealogical records of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for חֵפֶר (Chêpher, `{{H2660}}`) lies with its proposed root verbs:
* חָפַר (châphar, `{{H2658}}`): "to dig," "to search out," "to explore." This root often pertains to physical excavation, like digging a well or a pit.
* חָפֵר (châpêr, `{{H2659}}`): "to be ashamed," "to be put to shame," "to blush." This root describes a state of disgrace or humiliation, often associated with a downward gaze or a feeling of being exposed.
The conceptual link between "digging a pit" and "shame" might be metaphorical, suggesting a "pit" as a place of ruin, exposure, or entrapment, leading to shame. However, it is also possible that the two roots are distinct, and the noun חֵפֶפֶר (Chêpher) simply draws from one or the other, or is a unique formation.
Related concepts arising from the biblical occurrences include:
* **Conquest and Inheritance:** The defeat of the city of Chepher and the inheritance of the Hepherite clan (especially Zelophehad's daughters) are central themes in the book of Joshua, highlighting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises of land to Israel.
* **Tribal Identity and Genealogy:** The various Hephers are firmly situated within the intricate tribal structures and genealogies of Israel, emphasizing the importance of lineage and family in ancient Israelite society.
* **Loyalty and Service:** Hepher, one of David's mighty men, exemplifies the dedication and valor required for the establishment and defense of God's kingdom on earth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חֵפֶר (Chêpher/Hepher) is primarily derived from the narrative contexts in which it appears, rather than an inherent theological weight of its etymology.
1. **Divine Sovereignty in Conquest:** The defeat of the king of Chepher ([[Joshua 12:17]]) is a powerful testament to God's sovereign power over nations and His unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel. It demonstrates that no human kingdom, no matter how strong, can stand against the will of the Almighty who fights for His people.
2. **God's Provision and Justice in Inheritance:** The most profound theological implication arises from the lineage of Hepher, son of Gilead. The case of Zelophehad's daughters ([[Numbers 27]], [[Numbers 36]], [[Joshua 17]]) is a landmark legal precedent in the Torah. It showcases God's compassionate justice and meticulous care for all members of His covenant community, even those who might be disadvantaged by existing social structures (e.g., women without male heirs). God's law is shown to be dynamic and adaptable, ensuring that His promise of land inheritance is fully realized for every family unit, regardless of gender.
3. **Service to God's Anointed:** Hepher, the Mecherathite, as one of David's mighty men, represents the dedication of individuals to God's chosen king. Their service contributed to the security and flourishing of the kingdom of Israel, which was a type and shadow of the coming messianic kingdom. It underscores the importance of faithful service in the establishment of God's purposes on earth.
While the name's root "pit of shame" might evoke a sense of human fallenness or the disgrace of those who oppose God, the biblical narratives present the individuals named Hepher in positive or neutral lights, often as recipients of divine blessing (inheritance) or agents of divine purpose (warriors). This suggests that God can use individuals and places, regardless of the potential negative connotations of their names, to fulfill His redemptive plan.
### Summary
חֵפֶר (Chêpher, `{{H2660}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, etymologically linked to roots meaning "to dig" or "to be ashamed," leading to the suggested meaning "a pit of shame." Biblically, it refers to a Canaanite city conquered by Joshua ([[Joshua 12:17]]) and three distinct Israelite individuals. The most significant of these is Hepher, son of Gilead, whose descendants, particularly the daughters of Zelophehad, play a crucial role in biblical law regarding female inheritance ([[Numbers 27:1-11]]). Another Hepher is noted as one of David's valiant warriors ([[1 Chronicles 11:36]]), and a third is found in the genealogies of Judah ([[1 Chronicles 4:6]]). The theological significance of חֵפֶר is found not in its etymological meaning but in the narratives it anchors: demonstrating God's sovereign power in conquest, His meticulous justice in land distribution, and the importance of faithful service to His purposes. The name, though potentially rooted in a concept of shame, is consistently presented within contexts of divine blessing, tribal identity, and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.
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