from עוֹף; birdlike; Ephai, an Israelite; Ephai (from margin).
Transliteration:ʻÔwphay
Pronunciation:o-fah'-ee
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5778}}` (ʻÔwphay) is a proper noun, specifically the name of an individual. Its base definition indicates a derivation from the root עוּף (ʻûwp), which is related to `{{H5775}}` (ʻôwp), meaning "flying creature" or "bird." Thus, the name ʻÔwphay carries the connotation of "birdlike" or "my bird." As a proper name, its semantic range is fixed to the identity of the person it designates, rather than encompassing a broad array of meanings. The primary significance is found in its etymological connection to the concept of birds.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻÔwphay (`{{H5778}}`) appears only once in the biblical text, in the book of Jeremiah:
* [[Jeremiah 40:8]]: "Then all the commanders of the forces in the open country, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam over the land and had committed to him men, women, and children, those of the poorest of the land who had not been exiled to Babylon. So they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah: Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan and Jonathan sons of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth, the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah son of the Maacathite, they and their men."
In this sole occurrence, Ephai is identified as "Ephai the Netophathite," implying his origin from Netophah, a town near Bethlehem in Judah. He is listed among the military commanders who, along with their men, came to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah. Gedaliah had been appointed governor over the remnant in Judah by Nebuchadnezzar after the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of many of its inhabitants. Ephai's sons are mentioned as being among those who pledged their allegiance to Gedaliah, indicating Ephai himself was a figure of some standing, or at least his lineage was recognized among the surviving leadership. This passage places Ephai within the critical historical period immediately following the fall of Jerusalem, a time of immense national trauma and uncertainty for the people of Judah.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to ʻÔwphay (`{{H5778}}`) is עוֹף (`{{H5775}}`), which refers to "birds" or "flying creatures." This root appears frequently throughout the Hebrew Bible, often in contexts of creation ([[Genesis 1:20-21]]), clean and unclean animals ([[Leviticus 11:13-19]]), sacrificial offerings ([[Leviticus 1:14]]), and as symbols of swiftness or vulnerability ([[Hosea 9:11]]).
Beyond the etymological link, the context of Ephai's appearance connects him to several key historical and geographical concepts:
* **Netophathite (`{{H5200}}`):** This designation identifies Ephai's place of origin, Netophah. People from Netophah are mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, notably among David's mighty men ([[2 Samuel 23:28-29]]) and among those who returned from Babylonian exile ([[Nehemiah 7:26]]). This connection suggests a lineage with historical ties to the land and perhaps to military or administrative roles.
* **Gedaliah (`{{H1436}}`):** Ephai's interaction with Gedaliah places him firmly in the post-destruction period of Judah, highlighting the efforts to establish a new order amidst the ruins.
* **The Remnant:** Ephai and the other commanders represent a part of the faithful remnant who remained in the land, facing the challenge of rebuilding and surviving under foreign rule.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻÔwphay (`{{H5778}}`) is primarily indirect, stemming from his inclusion in the divine narrative rather than from any specific action or teaching attributed to him.
1. **Divine Providence in Detail:** The Bible's meticulous record of even minor figures like Ephai underscores God's comprehensive oversight of history. Every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned, plays a part in the unfolding of God's plan, even in times of national judgment and dispersion.
2. **The Faithful Remnant:** Ephai's association with Gedaliah places him among those who chose to remain in the land and attempt to re-establish some form of community and order. This highlights the theme of the remnant, a consistent biblical concept where a faithful minority preserves the covenant line or hope for future restoration, even in dire circumstances. His presence signifies a continued, albeit fragile, hope for the people of God.
3. **Individual Choice in Crisis:** In a period of profound national crisis, individuals like Ephai had to make crucial decisions about their loyalty and future. His choice to support Gedaliah, who was appointed by Babylon but sought the welfare of the people, reflects a decision to seek stability and peace for the remaining population, even under foreign dominion.
4. **Symbolism of the Name (Speculative):** While not explicitly stated, the name "birdlike" could subtly evoke themes of vulnerability, freedom, or perhaps even a longing for escape, themes resonant with the exilic period. However, without further textual elaboration, such interpretations remain speculative and secondary to his historical role.
### Summary
ʻÔwphay (`{{H5778}}`) is a Hebrew proper name meaning "birdlike" or "my bird," derived from the word for "bird" (`{{H5775}}`). He appears once in [[Jeremiah 40:8]] as Ephai the Netophathite, one of the military commanders who came to Gedaliah, the governor appointed by Babylon over the remnant in Judah after the fall of Jerusalem. His presence in this critical historical moment underscores the biblical record's detailed account of individuals who navigated the profound national crisis. Theologically, Ephai represents a part of the faithful remnant who sought to maintain a community in the land, highlighting God's meticulous attention to history and the individual choices made during times of national upheaval.
TRV