patronymically from יַפְלֵט; a Japhletite or descendant of Japhlet; Japhleti.
Transliteration:Yaphlêṭîy
Pronunciation:yaf-lay-tee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term Yaphlêṭîy (`{{H3311}}`) is a patronymic adjective derived from the proper noun Yaphlêṭ (יַפְלֵט), which likely means "He will deliver" or "May he deliver," stemming from the root פָּלַט (palat, "to escape," "to deliver"). As a patronymic, Yaphlêṭîy denotes a "Japhletite" or a "descendant of Japhlet." Its semantic range is highly specific, referring exclusively to a people group or, by extension, the territory associated with that group. It functions as a tribal or family designation, indicating lineage and communal identity within the broader framework of ancient Israelite society.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Yaphlêṭîy (`{{H3311}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Joshua.
* **[[Joshua 16:3]]**: "and it went down westward to the border of the Japhletites, as far as the border of Lower Beth-horon and Gezer, and it ended at the sea."
In this sole instance, Yaphlêṭîy is used to describe a geographical landmark, specifically a boundary marker for the territory allocated to the tribe of Ephraim. The "border of the Japhletites" signifies a specific region inhabited or claimed by the descendants of Japhlet. Its inclusion within the meticulous delineation of tribal lands in Joshua underscores the precise and divinely ordained division of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes. The Japhletites, while not extensively documented, were clearly a recognizable entity whose territory served as a fixed point in the geographical descriptions of the conquest and settlement.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the personal name Yaphlêṭ (יַפְלֵט), from which Yaphlêṭîy (`{{H3311}}`) is directly derived. While Yaphlêṭ itself does not have a distinct Strong's number in the provided data, its semantic connection to the verb פָּלַט (palat, "to escape," "to deliver") is foundational to understanding the patronymic.
Concepts related to Yaphlêṭîy include:
* **Patronymics**: The general principle of naming groups or individuals based on an ancestral figure (e.g., Jebusite, Hittite).
* **Tribal Inheritance**: The division of the land of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel, a central theme in the book of Joshua.
* **Geographical Boundaries**: The precise mapping and description of territories, vital for establishing ownership and maintaining order in the newly acquired land.
* **Covenant Fulfillment**: The detailed account of land distribution serves as evidence of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham's descendants.
### Theological Significance
While Yaphlêṭîy (`{{H3311}}`) does not carry a direct theological message in itself, its singular appearance within the detailed geographical accounts of Joshua holds significant theological implications.
1. **Divine Order and Precision**: The meticulous naming of boundaries, including the "border of the Japhletites," reflects God's precise and orderly plan for His people. It underscores that the land was not acquired haphazardly but distributed according to divine decree, emphasizing God's sovereignty over creation and human affairs.
2. **Covenant Faithfulness**: The division of the land is a tangible manifestation of God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, promising a land to his descendants ([[Genesis 12:7]], [[Genesis 15:18-21]]). Every boundary marker, including that of the Japhletites, testifies to God's unwavering commitment to His promises.
3. **Identity and Belonging**: The identification of specific territories for various groups, even those only mentioned once, reinforces the concept of a divinely appointed place for each part of God's people. It speaks to the importance of inheritance and the secure possession of the land as a blessing.
4. **Historical Veracity**: The inclusion of such specific, often obscure, geographical markers lends credibility to the biblical narrative, grounding the theological truths in historical and geographical reality.
### Summary
Yaphlêṭîy (`{{H3311}}`) is a unique Hebrew patronymic, meaning "Japhletite" or "descendant of Japhlet," derived from the name Yaphlêṭ (likely "He will deliver"). Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Joshua 16:3]] places it as a crucial geographical marker defining a portion of the Ephraimite tribal boundary. As such, its significance is primarily contextual, serving to delineate the precise land distribution mandated by God. Theologically, the mention of the Japhletite border contributes to the overarching narrative of God's meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises regarding the land of Canaan, emphasizing divine order, faithfulness, and the secure inheritance granted to His people.
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