### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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]].
TRV