from פָּתַח; he will open; Jiphtach, an Israelite; also a place in Palestine; Jephthah, Jiphtah.
Transliteration:Yiphtâch
Pronunciation:yif-tawkh'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun Yiphtâch (`{{H3316}}`) is derived from the verb pātaḥ (`{{H6605}}`), which fundamentally means "to open." Therefore, the name itself carries the active and volitional sense of "he will open" or "may he open." The root pātaḥ encompasses a broad semantic range, referring not only to the literal act of unbarring or unsealing (e.g., a door, a mouth, a grave) but also to figurative "opening" in various contexts. This includes the opening of the womb (implying fertility or the granting of offspring), the opening of the eyes or understanding (implying revelation or insight), and the opening of a way or path (implying deliverance, opportunity, or access). In the context of a personal name, the future tense "he will open" often implies a divine agent, suggesting that God is the one who will bring about an opening, whether of blessing, opportunity, or deliverance through the individual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary and most significant occurrence of Yiphtâch (`{{H3316}}`) in the Hebrew Bible is as the name of Jephthah, one of the judges of Israel. His narrative is extensively detailed in [[Judges 10-12]]. Jephthah is introduced as a "mighty warrior" ([[Judges 11:1]]), yet his background is marked by rejection; he was the son of a prostitute, cast out by his half-brothers ([[Judges 11:2]]). Despite this, when the Ammonites threatened Israel, the elders of Gilead, in their desperation, "opened" a way for him to return and lead them ([[Judges 11:5-6]]). This act directly resonates with the meaning of his name: he was called upon to "open" a path to deliverance for his people. Jephthah's leadership culminated in a decisive victory over the Ammonites, but his story is tragically marked by a rash vow made to Yahweh, resulting in the sacrifice of his only daughter ([[Judges 11:30-40]]). This deeply controversial event highlights both his zealous commitment to his word and the severe consequences of ill-considered pledges.
Beyond the personal name, Yiphtâch (`{{H3316}}`) also designates a geographical location, the "Valley of Iphtah-el," mentioned in the tribal allotments of Asher ([[Joshua 19:14]], [[Joshua 19:27]]). This suggests that the name, or a similar form, was also used to describe topographical features, perhaps indicating a place associated with an individual named Jephthah or a location where a significant "opening" or breakthrough occurred.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of Yiphtâch (`{{H3316}}`) is primarily defined by its root verb pātaḥ (`{{H6605}}`). Other related words derived from this root include pethaḥ (`{{H6607}}`), meaning "opening" or "entrance," and pithḥāh (`{{H6608}}`), also denoting an "opening."
The concept of "opening" carries profound theological and practical implications in the biblical narrative:
* **Divine Revelation and Understanding:** God "opens" the eyes of understanding ([[Psalm 119:18]]) and "opens" the heavens to reveal His glory ([[Ezekiel 1:1]]).
* **Deliverance and Opportunity:** God "opens" a way of escape from temptation ([[1 Corinthians 10:13]]) and "opens" prison doors for the captives ([[Isaiah 61:1]]).
* **Blessing and Fruitfulness:** God "opens" the womb, granting children ([[Genesis 30:22]]), and "opens" the windows of heaven to pour out blessings ([[Malachi 3:10]]).
* **Justice and Judgment:** The "opening" of books of judgment signifies divine accountability ([[Daniel 7:10]]).
Jephthah's life, though complex and morally ambiguous in parts, embodies the "opening" of a path for his people, both literally in battle and figuratively in restoring their confidence and freedom.
### Theological Significance
The name Yiphtâch (`{{H3316}}`), "he will open," carries significant theological weight, pointing to God as the ultimate opener of ways and possibilities. In Jephthah's story, God demonstrates His sovereignty by "opening" a path for a rejected and marginalized individual to become a deliverer for His people. This highlights God's ability to use unlikely and flawed human instruments to achieve His redemptive purposes.
Despite the profound tragedy and moral complexities surrounding Jephthah's vow and its fulfillment, he is remarkably included among the "heroes of faith" in [[Hebrews 11:32]]. This inclusion suggests that his faith, though imperfectly expressed and leading to a grievous outcome, was nevertheless genuine in its desire to secure God's deliverance for Israel. The narrative serves as a powerful reminder that God often works through imperfect human agents and that faith, even when deeply flawed, can be honored by Him. The "opening" aspect of his name can be seen in God "opening" the hearts of the Gileadite elders to recall Jephthah, and God "opening" the way for Israel's victory over the Ammonites. The tragic vow also serves as a stark theological lesson on the gravity of vows and the dangers of making commitments outside of divine wisdom and counsel.
### Summary
Yiphtâch (`{{H3316}}`) is a significant Hebrew proper noun meaning "he will open," derived from the verb pātaḥ (`{{H6605}}`). Its primary biblical reference is to Jephthah, a judge of Israel whose narrative is found in [[Judges 10-12]]. His life vividly illustrates the meaning of his name, as he, despite his marginalized background, was called upon to "open" a path of deliverance for his people from the Ammonite oppression. While his story includes a controversial and tragic vow, Jephthah is recognized in [[Hebrews 11:32]] as a figure of faith. The name Yiphtâch also designates a geographical location in [[Joshua 19:14]] and [[Joshua 19:27]]. Theologically, Yiphtâch underscores the divine prerogative to "open" ways—whether for salvation, revelation, or blessing—and demonstrates God's capacity to use imperfect individuals to achieve His sovereign purposes.
TRV