from כָּלֵב and אֶפְרָת; Caleb-Ephrathah, a place in Egypt (if the text is correct); Caleb-ephrathah.
Transliteration:Kâlêb ʼEphrâthâh
Pronunciation:kaw-labe' ef-raw'-thaw
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma H3613 (כָּלֵב אֶפְרָתָה, Kâlêb ʼEphrâthâh) is presented as a compound proper noun, derived from the individual names `{{H3612}}` (Caleb) and `{{H672}}` (Ephrath). The base definition suggests it refers to "Caleb-Ephrathah, a place in Egypt," while noting a crucial caveat: "(if the text is correct)." This immediately signals a degree of textual uncertainty or interpretive complexity associated with this particular entry.
The component `{{H3612}}` (Caleb) primarily denotes the prominent Israelite figure, son of Jephunneh, known for his unwavering faith and wholehearted devotion to Yahweh ([[Numbers 14:24]]). The name itself is sometimes linked to "dog" (suggesting loyalty) or "wholehearted." The component `{{H672}}` (Ephrath or Ephrathah) can refer to a geographical location, most notably Bethlehem-Ephrathah, the ancestral home of David and the prophetic birthplace of the Messiah ([[Micah 5:2]]), or to a person, such as the wife of Caleb ([[1 Chronicles 2:19]]).
The combination Kâlêb ʼEphrâthâh as a singular place name is highly unusual and its precise semantic range is narrow, primarily constrained by its singular biblical occurrence and the interpretive challenges surrounding it. The notion of it being a "place in Egypt" is particularly obscure and not widely supported by standard textual traditions or geographical understanding of the Israelite narratives.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The lemma H3613 (כָּלֵב אֶפְרָתָה, Kâlêb ʼEphrâthâh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[1 Chronicles 2:19]]. The verse reads: "And when Azubah died, Caleb took to himself Ephrath, and she bore him Hur" (ESV).
A critical analysis of this sole occurrence reveals a significant discrepancy between the Strong's definition and the prevailing scholarly understanding of the Hebrew text. The Hebrew of [[1 Chronicles 2:19]] states: "וַתָּמָת עֲזוּבָה וַיִּקַּח לוֹ כָלֵב אֶת־אֶפְרָת וַתֵּלֶד לוֹ אֶת־חוּר" (And Azubah died, and Caleb took for himself Ephrath, and she bore him Hur). In this context, "Ephrath" (אֶפְרָת) is almost universally understood as a *personal name*, referring to Caleb's second wife, not a compound place name "Caleb-Ephrathah." Most English translations reflect this understanding, rendering "Ephrath" as a proper noun for a person.
The Strong's entry for H3613 therefore represents a specific, less common interpretation that attempts to identify a compound place name. The parenthetical "if the text is correct" within the Strong's definition itself underscores this textual uncertainty. It is possible that this entry reflects an ancient textual variant or a unique exegetical tradition that viewed "Ephrath" in [[1 Chronicles 2:19]] not as a distinct person but as part of a geographical designation associated with Caleb. However, the dominant scholarly consensus affirms Ephrath as Caleb's wife, making the concept of "Caleb-Ephrathah" as a place name, particularly one in Egypt, highly speculative and unsupported by the Masoretic Text as commonly interpreted.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of H3613 necessarily involves its constituent parts and related biblical concepts:
* **`{{H3612}}` (כָּלֵב, Caleb):** This is the primary figure in [[1 Chronicles 2:19]]. Caleb is a pivotal character in Israel's wilderness journey and conquest of Canaan, celebrated for his unwavering faith and singular devotion to God ([[Numbers 14:24]], [[Joshua 14:8-9]]). His name and legacy are foundational to understanding the tribe of Judah.
* **`{{H672}}` (אֶפְרָת, Ephrath/Ephrathah):** This term carries dual significance.
* As a *place*, it is most famously associated with Bethlehem-Ephrathah, the city of David and the prophetic birthplace of the Messiah ([[Genesis 35:19]], [[Ruth 1:2]], [[Micah 5:2]]).
* As a *person*, Ephrath is identified in [[1 Chronicles 2:19]] as Caleb's wife and the mother of Hur. This personal connection is the most direct link to H3613 in its biblical context.
* **Genealogy and Land Inheritance:** The book of Chronicles, where H3613 appears, is deeply concerned with genealogies, tribal lineages, and the allocation of land. The mention of Caleb and Ephrath, whether as individuals or a proposed place name, fits within this broader narrative of establishing Israel's identity and heritage.
* **Textual Criticism:** The ambiguity surrounding H3613 highlights the importance of textual criticism in biblical studies, where scholars analyze various manuscript traditions and linguistic nuances to ascertain the most probable original reading and meaning.
### Theological Significance
Given the highly debated nature and singular, ambiguous occurrence of H3613 as a place name "Caleb-Ephrathah," its direct theological significance is minimal. The theological weight resides primarily in the individual components and the broader narrative context of [[1 Chronicles 2:19]].
* **The Faithfulness of Caleb:** Caleb's character, marked by his "wholehearted" devotion to God, serves as a powerful theological example of steadfast faith, obedience, and the blessings that accompany such commitment. His inheritance of Hebron is a testament to God's faithfulness to His promises ([[Joshua 14:14]]). If "Caleb-Ephrathah" were to denote a territory or settlement associated with Caleb, it would implicitly speak to the enduring legacy of faithful individuals in establishing the people of God.
* **The Messianic Significance of Ephrath/Bethlehem:** The association of Ephrath with Bethlehem carries profound theological implications. Bethlehem-Ephrathah is not merely a geographical location but the humble birthplace prophesied for the Messiah ([[Micah 5:2]]). This connection imbues the name Ephrath with eschatological hope and a link to God's ultimate redemptive plan through the Davidic lineage.
* **Divine Providence in Genealogy:** The Chronicler's meticulous genealogies, including the lineage of Caleb and Ephrath, underscore God's sovereign hand in shaping the history of His people. Every individual, every family, and every place plays a role in the unfolding of God's redemptive narrative, leading ultimately to the Messiah.
* **The Nature of Scripture:** The very existence of such a debated lemma, with its textual uncertainties, serves as a humble reminder of the ancient and complex nature of the biblical text. It invites diligent scholarship, careful exegesis, and a reverent approach to understanding God's Word, acknowledging that some details remain veiled in antiquity.
### Summary
H3613 (כָּלֵב אֶפְרָתָה, Kâlêb ʼEphrâthâh) is a unique and challenging lemma, presented by Strong's as a compound proper noun referring to a place, possibly in Egypt. Its sole occurrence is in [[1 Chronicles 2:19]]. However, the overwhelming scholarly consensus interprets "Ephrath" in this verse not as part of a compound place name but as the personal name of Caleb's wife. Therefore, H3613 as a distinct geographical entity "Caleb-Ephrathah" is not widely accepted in biblical scholarship.
The significance of this entry lies less in the disputed compound place name and more in its constituent elements: `{{H3612}}` (Caleb), a paragon of faith and obedience, and `{{H672}}` (Ephrath), connected both to Caleb's lineage and to Bethlehem, the city of David and the Messiah. The textual ambiguity surrounding H3613 serves as a valuable case study in the complexities of biblical lexicography and the ongoing work of discerning the precise meaning of the sacred text.
TRV