English · KJV

H5891 Hebrew · Noun

עֵיפָה

ʻÊyphâh /ay-faw'/ Audio pronunciations are computer-generated and may not be fully accurate. Provided as a convenience only.

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verses
5
of 39 books
3
forms
2
KJV rendering
1
Span of events 1853 BC–698 BC
4004 BC390 BC
Rootthe same as עֵיפָה
MeaningEphah, the name of a son of Midian, and of the region settled by him; also of an Israelite and of an Israelitess
KJV usageEphah.

Context

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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word ʻÊyphâh, represented by H5891, is a proper name appearing as Ephah in scripture. It appears 5 times in 5 unique verses. The name is used for multiple figures and a region: a son of Midian, the region settled by his descendants, a male Israelite, and an Israelitess.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, ʻÊyphâh is primarily used to establish lineage. Ephah is first introduced as a son of Midian and a descendant of Keturah (Genesis 25:4; 1 Chronicles 1:33). The name also appears in Israelite genealogies: once for a male descendant of Jahdai 1 Chronicles 2:47 and once for a female, Caleb's concubine 1 Chronicles 2:46. In a prophetic context, Ephah is mentioned as a region, alongside Midian, whose people will come bringing gold and incense to praise the LORD Isaiah 60:6.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of ʻÊyphâh is primarily found in its prophetic use.

  • Inclusion of the Nations: The mention of Ephah in Isaiah's prophecy highlights a future time when gentile peoples, descended from Abraham through Keturah, will participate in the worship of the LORD. They are depicted coming to bring tribute and praise Isaiah 60:6.
  • Genealogical Record: As a name appearing in the genealogies of both Midian and Israel (Genesis 25:4; 1 Chronicles 2:46-47), Ephah serves as a marker in the biblical record, preserving the lines of descent as part of the larger scriptural narrative.
  • Prophetic Fulfillment: The connection between the person Ephah, son of Midian, and the region of Ephah demonstrates how a patriarch's name becomes associated with his descendants and their land, which is then used in prophecy to signify that specific people group.

Summary

In summary, ʻÊyphâh, or Ephah, is a name used for several individuals and a region within the Old Testament. While primarily functioning as a genealogical marker for both a Midianite clan and figures within Israelite lineage, its most significant use is prophetic. The name's appearance in Isaiah points to the eventual gathering of nations to worship the LORD, transforming a simple name from a list of descendants into a symbol of future hope and inclusion.

Mentioned in the study 3

What the study says

Several related words clarify the genealogical and geographical context of Ephah:

  • H4080 Midyân (Midian, Midianite): Defined as “Midjan, a son of Abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants.” Ephah is identified as a son of Midian Genesis 25:4, and the region of Ephah is linked with Midian prophetically Isaiah 60:6.
  • H6081 ʻÊpher (Epher): Defined as “gazelle; Epher, the name of an Arabian and of two Israelites.” Epher is listed as a brother of Ephah and a son of Midian (Genesis 25:4; 1 Chronicles 1:33).
  • H28 ʼĂbîydâʻ (Abida, Abidah): Defined as “father of knowledge (i.e. knowing); Abida, a son of Abraham by Keturah.” Abida is also listed as a brother of Ephah in the genealogies of Midian's sons (Genesis 25:4; 1 Chronicles 1:33).

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.