### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Nâphîysh**, represented by `{{H5305}}`, identifies a **son of Ishmael and his posterity**. While its root definition is "refreshed," its biblical usage is exclusively as a proper name. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, tracing a line from an individual to a people group.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5305}}` is used to establish lineage and identify a specific tribal entity. The name first appears in the genealogical record of Ishmael's sons, where Naphish is listed alongside brothers such as Jetur, Tema, and Kedemah [[Genesis 25:15]]. This lineage is restated in 1 Chronicles, which explicitly confirms, "These are the sons of Ishmael" [[1 Chronicles 1:31]]. The name also appears in a historical account of conflict, where the descendants of Naphish, referred to as "Nephish," are part of a coalition that made war with Israelite tribes [[1 Chronicles 5:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the identity and context of Naphish:
* `{{H3458}}` **Yishmâʻêʼl** (Ishmael): This is the father of Naphish. The name means "God will hear" and establishes the paternal line from which this clan originates [[1 Chronicles 1:31]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word defines the direct genealogical relationship between Naphish and his father. The phrase "the sons of Ishmael" solidifies his place within this family structure [[1 Chronicles 1:31]].
* `{{H3195}}` **Yᵉṭûwr** (Jetur): A brother of Naphish, Jetur is listed alongside him in all three of his appearances in scripture, indicating a close association between these two sons of Ishmael ([[Genesis 25:15]]; [[1 Chronicles 1:31]]; [[1 Chronicles 5:19]]).
* `{{H1905}}` **Hagrîy** (Hagarite): This name refers to a member of an Arabian clan. The people of Naphish are mentioned as allies of the Hagarites in a war, situating them within a broader regional conflict [[1 Chronicles 5:19]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H5305}}` is tied to its role in the chronicles of Israel and its neighbors.
* **Genealogical Marker:** Naphish serves as a key name in the formal listing of Ishmael's descendants, fulfilling the biblical record of his twelve sons. His inclusion in both Genesis and 1 Chronicles emphasizes the importance of this lineage ([[Genesis 25:15]]; [[1 Chronicles 1:31]]).
* **Tribal Identity:** The name evolves from representing an individual to signifying his posterity. In [[1 Chronicles 5:19]], "Nephish" is listed not as a person but as a people group, demonstrating how a son's name became the identity of a clan.
* **Regional Adversary:** The posterity of Naphish is depicted as being in military conflict with Israelite tribes. They are part of a coalition that "made war" with the Hagarites against the tribes east of the Jordan, positioning them as regional adversaries [[1 Chronicles 5:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5305}}` is a specific and important marker in the biblical record. It functions first to identify Naphish as a son of Ishmael and then to denote the tribe descended from him. Though its appearances are few, the name effectively illustrates the transition from an individual in a genealogy to a collective people group involved in the historical and military interactions of the region.
TRV