### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yiphtach-ʼêl**, represented by `{{H3317}}`, is a proper name for a place in Palestine. The name is derived from words meaning **"God will open"**. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, both times as a significant geographical landmark.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3317}}` is consistently used to identify a specific **valley** that serves as a boundary marker. It is mentioned during the allotment of land to the Israelite tribes in the book of Joshua. The border of the tribe of Zebulun is described as reaching the **valley** of **Jiphthahel** [[Joshua 19:27]]. Similarly, the outgoings of another border are defined as being in the **valley** of **Jiphthahel** [[Joshua 19:14]], highlighting its importance in demarcating territory.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to establish the geographical context of **Yiphtach-ʼêl**:
* `{{H1516}}` **gay'** (valley): This word is directly associated with **Yiphtach-ʼêl** in both of its occurrences, defining it as the "valley of **Jiphthahel**" ([[Joshua 19:14]], [[Joshua 19:27]]). It refers to a gorge or narrow valley.
* `{{H1366}}` **gᵉbûwl** (border): This term for a boundary or territory is used to map out the lands where the valley of **Jiphthahel** is located. A specific **border** is described as having its end point in this valley [[Joshua 19:14]].
* `{{H2074}}` **Zᵉbûwlûwn** (Zebulun): The territory of this tribe is defined in part by the location of **Yiphtach-ʼêl**. The border reaches **Zebulun** and then the valley of **Jiphthahel** [[Joshua 19:27]].
* `{{H8444}}` **tôwtsâʼâh** (outgoings): This word, meaning an exit or boundary, further specifies the role of the valley. The **outgoings** of a border are explicitly located in the valley of **Jiphthahel** [[Joshua 19:14]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H3317}}` is primarily geographical, marking a key location in the settlement of the promised land.
* **Boundary Marker:** **Yiphtach-ʼêl** is a crucial landmark used to define the borders of tribal inheritances. Its location is noted in relation to other places like Bethdagon `{{H1016}}`, Bethemek `{{H1025}}`, and Hannathon `{{H2615}}` ([[Joshua 19:14]], [[Joshua 19:27]]).
* **Tribal Allotment:** The valley is part of the detailed description of the territory given to the tribe of Zebulun `{{H2074}}`, anchoring the biblical account of the land division to a physical place [[Joshua 19:27]].
* **Prophetic Name:** The name itself, meaning "God will open," suggests a divine promise or action associated with the location, perhaps signifying God opening the way for Israel to possess the land.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3317}}` is the name of a specific valley in Palestine whose primary role in scripture is to serve as a geographical reference point. Mentioned exclusively in the book of Joshua, the valley of **Yiphtach-ʼêl** is essential for mapping the borders of the tribal allotments. While its use is locational, its name, "God will open," hints at the divine providence overseeing Israel's inheritance of the land.
TRV