xlit Yâphô corrected to Yâphôw; or יָפוֹא; (Ezra 3:7), from יָפָה; beautiful; Japho, a place in Palestine; Japha, Joppa.
Transliteration:Yâphôw
Pronunciation:yaw-fo'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3305}}` (Yâphôw) functions primarily as a proper noun, designating a significant ancient city on the Mediterranean coast of Palestine. Its etymology is rooted in the verb `{{H3305}}` (yâphâh), meaning "to be beautiful," "to be fair," or "to be pleasing." Thus, the name Yâphôw itself carries the semantic weight of "beautiful" or "fair." This suggests that the city was perceived, perhaps due to its scenic coastal location or strategic importance, as aesthetically pleasing or desirable. While the base meaning relates to physical attractiveness, in the context of a place name, it describes the inherent quality or perception of the location itself. This root also gives rise to words like `{{H3305}}` (yophi), meaning "beauty" or "splendor."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H3305}}` appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily in historical and prophetic contexts, always referring to the coastal city known today as Jaffa or Joppa.
* **[[Joshua 19:46]]**: Here, Yâphôw is listed as part of the tribal inheritance of Dan, marking its geographical significance as a coastal border town within the promised land. Its inclusion in the tribal allotments underscores its established presence and importance even in the early stages of Israelite settlement.
* **[[2 Chronicles 2:16]]**: In this passage, Yâphôw serves as the port of entry for the cedar and cypress timbers dispatched by King Hiram of Tyre for the construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. The text explicitly states, "We will cut whatever timber you need from Lebanon and bring it to you in rafts by sea to Yâphôw, and you can take it up to Jerusalem." This highlights the city's critical role as a major maritime gateway for essential resources, linking the sea trade routes with the inland capital.
* **[[Ezra 3:7]]**: Centuries later, during the post-exilic period, Yâphôw again functions as the port for timber used in the reconstruction of the Second Temple. "They also gave money to the masons and carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the Sidonians and Tyrians to bring cedar logs from Lebanon to Yâphôw, according to the grant they had from Cyrus king of Persia." This repetition of its function for temple building underscores its enduring strategic importance as a nexus for international trade and construction.
* **[[Jonah 1:3]]**: This verse famously depicts the prophet Jonah's attempt to flee from the Lord's command to go to Nineveh. "But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Yâphôw, where he found a ship bound for that port." Yâphôw is presented as a bustling international port, a place where one could find passage to distant lands, thus serving as the literal point of departure for Jonah's rebellion. This narrative ironically contrasts the city's "beautiful" name with the prophet's act of disobedience.
While `{{H3305}}` specifically refers to the Hebrew occurrences, the city continues to play a significant role in the New Testament under its Greek name, Joppa (`{{G2447}}`), notably in the ministry of Peter ([[Acts 9:36-43]], [[Acts 10:5-32]], [[Acts 11:5]]). These later occurrences further solidify its identity as a vital coastal hub.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H3305}}` is its root, `{{H3305}}` (yâphâh), "to be beautiful." This root is used throughout the Hebrew Bible to describe physical beauty (e.g., Sarah in [[Genesis 12:11]], Rachel in [[Genesis 29:17]]), the beauty of creation ([[Psalm 50:2]]), or even the splendor of God's dwelling ([[Psalm 48:2]]). The noun form `{{H3305}}` (yophi) also frequently appears, denoting "beauty" or "comeliness." Thus, the city's name is intrinsically linked to the concept of aesthetic appeal.
Beyond its etymological root, `{{H3305}}` is closely related to its Greek transliteration, Joppa (`{{G2447}}`), which is the name used for the city in the Septuagint and the New Testament. This highlights the continuity of the city's identity across different periods and linguistic traditions. Conceptually, Yâphôw is related to other ancient port cities like Tyre and Sidon, which were crucial for maritime trade and the exchange of goods and ideas in the ancient Near East. Its role as a gateway for materials for both Temples connects it to the broader theme of divine provision and the establishment of sacred space.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3305}}` (Yâphôw) is multifaceted, emerging from its strategic location and the pivotal events that transpired there.
Firstly, its repeated role as the port for timber for both the First and Second Temples ([[2 Chronicles 2:16]], [[Ezra 3:7]]) underscores God's meticulous provision for the construction of His dwelling place. Yâphôw becomes a symbol of the practical means through which divine plans are realized, a tangible link between the raw materials of creation and the sacred architecture dedicated to God. This highlights God's sovereignty over even the mundane logistics of building projects.
Secondly, the narrative of Jonah's flight from Yâphôw ([[Jonah 1:3]]) provides a profound theological contrast. A city named "Beautiful" becomes the embarkation point for a prophet's rebellion against God's command to extend mercy to a pagan nation. This irony subtly highlights the human tendency to seek escape from divine will, even in places outwardly pleasing. Yet, it also sets the stage for God's relentless pursuit of His prophet and His ultimate purpose for all peoples.
Finally, though under its Greek name Joppa, the city's role in the ministry of Peter in the New Testament (`{{G2447}}`) further amplifies its theological importance. It is in Joppa that Peter raises Tabitha from the dead ([[Acts 9:36-43]]), demonstrating the power of the resurrected Christ. More significantly, it is from Joppa that Peter is called to Cornelius's house in Caesarea ([[Acts 10:5-32]]), leading to the pivotal moment where the Gospel is openly extended to the Gentiles. Thus, Yâphôw/Joppa transitions from a port of materials for the physical Temple to a spiritual gateway for the expansion of God's kingdom beyond ethnic boundaries, embodying the beauty of God's universal redemptive plan.
### Summary
`{{H3305}}` (Yâphôw) is a significant Hebrew proper noun referring to the ancient coastal city known today as Jaffa or Joppa. Derived from the root `{{H3305}}` (yâphâh), meaning "to be beautiful," its name reflects an inherent aesthetic quality or desirability. Biblically, Yâphôw functions as a crucial maritime gateway, serving as the port for timber used in the construction of both Solomon's Temple ([[2 Chronicles 2:16]]) and the Second Temple ([[Ezra 3:7]]). It is also famously known as the point of departure for the prophet Jonah's ill-fated flight from the Lord ([[Jonah 1:3]]). While its Hebrew occurrences are limited, its enduring importance is underscored by its continued prominence in the New Testament as Joppa (`{{G2447}}`), where it became a pivotal location for the early spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles. Thus, Yâphôw embodies both physical beauty and profound theological significance, serving as a silent witness to God's providence in provision, human rebellion, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
TRV