### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yâphôw**, represented by `{{H3305}}`, is the name for **Japho** or **Joppa**, a place in Palestine. Derived from a root meaning "beautiful," it appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. It consistently refers to a coastal city that serves as a significant port.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3305}}` is primarily identified as a seaport with strategic importance. It is the city where Jonah `{{H3124}}` went down `{{H3381}}` to find a ship `{{H591}}` to flee `{{H1272}}` to Tarshish `{{H8659}}` from the presence of the LORD `{{H3068}}` [[Jonah 1:3]]. Conversely, it was the designated port for receiving vital building materials. Cedar `{{H730}}` trees `{{H6086}}` from Lebanon `{{H3844}}` were brought by sea `{{H3220}}` to Joppa for the construction work in Jerusalem `{{H3389}}`, both as floats `{{H7513}}` [[2 Chronicles 2:16]] and through an arrangement with the people of Zidon `{{H6722}}` and Tyre `{{H6876}}` under a grant `{{H7558}}` from Cyrus `{{H3566}}` [[Ezra 3:7]]. It is also mentioned as a landmark defining a border `{{H1366}}` [[Joshua 19:46]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the role and context of Joppa in scripture:
* `{{H3381}}` **yârad** (to descend): This verb describes Jonah’s journey as he "went down" `{{H3381}}` to Joppa, emphasizing the physical and perhaps spiritual descent in his attempt to flee from God [[Jonah 1:3]].
* `{{H591}}` **ʼŏnîyâh** (a ship): This word is directly tied to Joppa's function as a port city. It was in Joppa that Jonah found a "ship" `{{H591}}` to take him away from his divine mission [[Jonah 1:3]].
* `{{H3220}}` **yâm** (a sea): Joppa’s location on the "sea" `{{H3220}}` was critical for its role in maritime trade and transport, whether for receiving cedar trees `{{H730}}` or for launching sea voyages [[Ezra 3:7]].
* `{{H730}}` **ʼerez** (a cedar tree): The transportation of "cedar" `{{H730}}` trees to Joppa highlights the city's role in the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the building and restoration of the temple in Jerusalem `{{H3389}}` [[2 Chronicles 2:16]].
### Theological Significance
The geographical location of `{{H3305}}` carries significant narrative weight, representing a place of critical decision and divine action.
* **A Gateway for Disobedience:** Joppa is immortalized as the site of Jonah's rebellion. It was the departure point for his attempt to flee `{{H1272}}` from God's command, making it a symbol of human resistance to the divine will [[Jonah 1:3]].
* **A Port for Sacred Provision:** In stark contrast, Joppa also serves as the port of entry for the materials needed to construct and rebuild the house of the LORD `{{H3068}}`. The arrival of cedar `{{H730}}` from Lebanon `{{H3844}}` at Joppa was essential for realizing the construction projects in Jerusalem `{{H3389}}` [[Ezra 3:7]].
* **A Landmark of Inheritance:** Its mention in the book of Joshua establishes Japho `{{H3305}}` as a fixed boundary marker within the territory allotted to Israel, grounding it in the history of God's covenant promises to His people [[Joshua 19:46]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3305}}` is more than just a name on a map. As the port city of Joppa, it is a place of consequence where pivotal biblical events unfold. It functions as a crossroads in the divine narrative, a place where one might attempt to escape God's presence, and also a place where provisions for His holy purposes are received. From a marker of tribal territory to a stage for prophetic drama and royal construction, Joppa illustrates how a physical location can be central to the unfolding of God's redemptive history.
TRV