The Hebrew word Çᵉpharvîy, represented by H5616, is a patrial term identifying a Sepharvite or inhabitant of Sepharvain. It appears 1 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible, making its sole reference highly specific. This term is derived from the name of a location, Sepharvaim H5617.
The single biblical mention of H5616 occurs in a description of the foreign peoples who were resettled in Samaria. The verse states that "the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim" 2 Kings 17:31. This act is presented alongside the idolatrous practices of other groups, such as the Avites H5757, who also made H6213 their own gods.
Several related words clarify the context surrounding the Sepharvites:
- H5617 Çᵉpharvayim (Sepharvites): The place of origin for the Sepharvites. It is identified as a city whose people and gods H430 were brought into Samaria (2 Kings 17:24, 2 Kings 18:34).
- H8313 sâraph (to be... on fire): This primitive root describes the specific action of the Sepharvites. It means to burn or kindle, as seen when they burnt their children H1121 2 Kings 17:31.
- H1121 bên (a son): This word, central to family and lineage, is used here to identify the victims of the pagan ritual performed by the Sepharvites 2 Kings 17:31.
- H430 ʼĕlôhîym (gods): While often referring to the supreme God, in this context it denotes the pagan deities Adrammelech and Anammelech, to whom the Sepharvites offered sacrifices 2 Kings 17:31.
The theological weight of H5616 is tied directly to its singular, stark context. It serves as a potent example of forbidden worship.
- Idolatrous Abomination: The primary theological point is the condemnation of pagan practices. The act of the Sepharvites burning their children H1121 in fire H784 is presented as a horrific form of idolatry 2 Kings 17:31. This same practice is condemned elsewhere in scripture Jeremiah 19:5.
- Syncretism and Judgment: The Sepharvites were among the peoples brought to Samaria to replace the exiled Israelites 2 Kings 17:24. Their presence and practices illustrate the introduction of foreign worship that corrupted the land and stood in direct opposition to the laws of God.
- The Nature of False Gods: The narrative highlights the destructive demands of false gods H430. The deities of Sepharvaim H5617 required the ultimate sacrifice from their followers, a stark contrast to the character of the God of Israel.
In summary, H5616 Çᵉpharvîy is more than a simple demographic label. Its sole appearance in scripture permanently associates this people group with the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice by fire H784 2 Kings 17:31. The term serves as a concise and powerful biblical illustration of the depth of pagan idolatry, the consequences of abandoning God's commands, and the corrupting influence of the nations resettled in Samaria.
TRV