The Hebrew term Yaphlêṭîy, represented by H3311, is a patronymic word identifying a Japhletite or a descendant of Japhlet. It appears just 1 time in the Bible, in a single verse. This term, rendered as Japhleti, is used to designate a specific geographical boundary.
In its sole biblical appearance, H3311 is used to define a geographical landmark. The term appears in the description of a border that "goeth down westward to the coast of Japhleti" Joshua 16:3. This boundary continues on to the coast of Beth-horon the nether and to Gezer, with its endpoints, or "goings out," reaching the sea.
Several related words provide context for the location and purpose of the Japhletite coast:
- H1366 gᵉbûwl (border): This word signifies a boundary, coast, or territory. It is used in the passage to define the "coast" of Japhleti Joshua 16:3.
- H1032 Bêyth Chôwrôwn (Beth-horon): Meaning "house of hollowness," this is the name of an adjoining place in Palestine mentioned immediately after the coast of Japhleti in the boundary description Joshua 16:3.
- H1507 Gezer (Gezer): The name of another place in Palestine, listed as a point along this same border after Beth-horon Joshua 16:3. Solomon is later recorded as having built Gezer and Beth-horon the nether 1 Kings 9:17.
- H8481 tachtôwn (nether): Defined as "bottommost" or "lower," this term modifies Beth-horon, specifying it as "the nether" or lower Beth-horon Joshua 16:3.
The significance of H3311 is entirely geographical, serving as a key marker in the Old Testament.
- Defining Borders: The primary role of H3311 is to serve as a precise marker in the delineation of land. The "coast of Japhleti" is a crucial point in a boundary that runs westward down to the sea Joshua 16:3.
- Geographical Anchor: It is situated alongside other significant locations such as Gezer and "Beth-horon the nether," anchoring the border description in a specific region of Palestine Joshua 16:3.
- Connection to Tribal Land: The surrounding landmarks mentioned in the same passage, like Gezer, are contextually linked to the Ephraimites, indicating the importance of this border in establishing tribal inheritances Joshua 16:10.
In summary, Yaphlêṭîy H3311 is a highly specific term with a singular function in the biblical text. As a patronymic name, Japhleti serves as a geographical identifier for a "coast" or border region. Its only appearance is in the book of Joshua, where it helps to precisely map out a boundary line in relation to other known locations like Beth-horon and Gezer, ultimately terminating at the sea Joshua 16:3.
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