### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻÊyn Tappûwach**, represented by `{{H5887}}`, is a proper name for a location meaning **fountain of an apple-tree**. This place name appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. As a geographical marker, its significance comes from its role in defining the territorial boundaries assigned to the tribes of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5887}}` is mentioned in the book of Joshua during the allotment of land to the Israelite tribes. Its sole appearance is in a passage detailing the borders of the tribe of Manasseh. The text states that the border of Manasseh, starting from Asher and passing Michmethah, "went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants of **Entappuah**" [[Joshua 17:7]]. This positions En-tappuah as a key landmark in delineating the southern edge of Manasseh's inheritance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H5887}}` is clarified by several key words in the same passage:
* `{{H1366}}` **gᵉbûwl** (coast, border): This word, which means "a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed," is used to frame the entire description, establishing that the purpose of mentioning En-tappuah is to define a territorial **border** [[Joshua 17:7]].
* `{{H4519}}` **Mᵉnashsheh** (Manasseh): This identifies the tribe receiving the territory, connecting the location to the descendants of Manasseh, a grandson of Jacob [[Joshua 17:7]].
* `{{H1980}}` **hâlak** (to walk, go): This root verb describes the movement of the border, indicating that it **went along** a specific path that included En-tappuah [[Joshua 17:7]].
* `{{H3427}}` **yâshab** (to dwell, inhabit): This word clarifies that En-tappuah was not just a landmark but a settled area with **inhabitants**, making it a known location in the region [[Joshua 17:7]].
### Theological Significance
While appearing only once, the reference to `{{H5887}}` carries contextual weight within the biblical narrative.
* **Fulfillment of Promise:** Its inclusion in the detailed land allotments for the tribe of **Manasseh** `{{H4519}}` serves as evidence of God's promise to settle His people in the land being fulfilled with geographical precision [[Joshua 17:7]].
* **Historical Specificity:** The use of a precise place name like En-tappuah, alongside other locations such as **Asher** `{{H836}}`, **Michmethah** `{{H4366}}`, and **Shechem** `{{H7927}}`, grounds the account in real-world geography and history.
* **Principle of Boundaries:** The act of defining a **border** `{{H1366}}` that runs to En-tappuah reflects the broader biblical theme of divine order. God is shown not only giving land but also establishing clear and distinct territories for His people [[Joshua 17:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5887}}` is a specific place name, En-tappuah, that functions as a geographical marker. Though mentioned only once, it plays a crucial role in the precise description of the tribal territory of Manasseh. Its presence in scripture highlights the historical detail of the biblical record and contributes to the larger theme of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises by allotting a specific, defined inheritance to the tribes of Israel.
TRV