the same as עֵיפָה; Ephah, the name of a son of Midian, and of the region settled by him; also of an Israelite and of an Israelitess; Ephah.
Transliteration:ʻÊyphâh
Pronunciation:ay-faw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H5891 (עֵיפָה, ʻÊyphâh) functions exclusively as a proper noun within the biblical text. Its base definition indicates it is "the same as עֵיפָה," which signifies that it is a name without a distinct common noun root from which its meaning is derived in this context. Rather, its meaning is entirely defined by its referents. The semantic range of ʻÊyphâh is therefore limited to the specific individuals and geographical entity it designates. These include:
1. A son of Midian, a descendant of Abraham through Keturah.
2. The region or tribal group associated with this son of Midian.
3. An Israelite man from the tribe of Judah.
4. An Israelite woman, a concubine of Caleb.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H5891 (ʻÊyphâh) are found in both genealogical records and prophetic literature, each context lending unique insights:
* **Ephah, Son of Midian:** This ʻÊyphâh is listed as one of the sons of Midian, who was a son of Abraham by his concubine Keturah ([[Genesis 25:4]], [[1 Chronicles 1:33]]). The Midianites, as a broader people group, frequently interacted with Israel, sometimes in conflict (e.g., [[Numbers 25]], [[Numbers 31]], [[Judges 6-8]]) and sometimes in more neutral or even positive ways (e.g., Jethro, Moses' father-in-law). The mention of Ephah as a distinct branch of Midian highlights the tribal structure of these peoples.
* **Ephah, the Region/People:** The prophetic book of Isaiah refers to "camels of Midian and Ephah" bringing gold and frankincense to Jerusalem ([[Isaiah 60:6]]). This usage implies that Ephah had become a significant tribal or regional entity, distinct enough to be mentioned alongside Midian itself. The context is a glorious future vision of Jerusalem, where nations, including those historically outside the covenant, bring tribute and worship to the Lord.
* **Ephah, the Israelite Woman:** In the genealogies of Judah, ʻÊyphâh is identified as a concubine of Caleb, bearing him sons: Haran, Moza, and Gazez ([[1 Chronicles 2:46]]). This inclusion in the lineage of Judah, a pivotal tribe, underscores the diverse origins of individuals within the covenant community and the meticulous record-keeping of Israelite genealogies.
* **Ephah, the Israelite Man:** Also within the tribe of Judah's genealogies, ʻÊyphâh is listed as one of the sons of Jahdai ([[1 Chronicles 2:47]]). This further demonstrates the commonality of the name across different individuals and families within Israel.
The varied contexts reveal ʻÊyphâh not as a word with inherent theological meaning, but as a marker for specific individuals and groups whose existence and actions contribute to the unfolding biblical narrative.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, H5891 connects to several broader biblical concepts and related terms:
* **Midianites (`{{H4080}}`):** The larger ethnic group from which one ʻÊyphâh derives. Their complex relationship with Israel, marked by both kinship and conflict, is a significant theme in the Pentateuch and Judges.
* **Abrahamic Lineage:** The Midianite ʻÊyphâh traces his ancestry back to Abraham, highlighting the vast progeny promised to the patriarch and the diverse nations that emerged from his descendants.
* **Genealogy (`{{H3187}}`):** The meticulous recording of names and lineages, particularly in books like Genesis and Chronicles, emphasizes divine faithfulness to covenant promises and the historical continuity of God's people. The presence of both male and female ʻÊyphâh figures in Judah's genealogy underscores the importance of individual identity within the collective history.
* **Tribute and Worship:** In [[Isaiah 60:6]], the camels of Midian and Ephah bringing gifts anticipates a future time when even distant nations, including those historically opposed to Israel, will acknowledge and bring glory to the God of Israel. This connects to concepts of universal worship and the ingathering of the Gentiles.
* **Proper Nouns:** ʻÊyphâh exemplifies the biblical use of proper nouns to ground the narrative in specific, identifiable historical figures and places, lending authenticity and particularity to the divine story.
### Theological Significance
While H5891 itself does not carry an intrinsic theological meaning, its occurrences contribute to several profound theological themes:
* **Divine Sovereignty Over Nations:** The prophetic vision in [[Isaiah 60:6]] is particularly potent. The inclusion of "Ephah" alongside "Midian" among those who will bring gold and frankincense to Jerusalem signifies God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations. Even groups historically adversarial to Israel are envisioned as participating in the future worship of Yahweh, demonstrating the expansive scope of God's redemptive plan beyond the immediate covenant community. This speaks to a universal eschatological hope.
* **The Inclusivity of God's People:** The Israelite figures named ʻÊyphâh (the concubine of Caleb and the son of Jahdai) illustrate the diverse origins and integration of individuals into the fabric of God's covenant people. Genealogies, while often emphasizing purity of lineage, also reveal instances of inclusion and the complex tapestry of Israel's heritage. This subtly points to the broader, gracious nature of divine election.
* **The Precision of Divine Record-Keeping:** The detailed enumeration of individuals, even those seemingly minor, in biblical genealogies (e.g., in Chronicles) underscores the meticulousness of God's historical record and His knowledge of every person involved in His unfolding plan. Every name, including ʻÊyphâh, holds its specific place in the grand narrative of salvation history.
### Summary
H5891 (עֵיפָה, ʻÊyphâh) is a Hebrew proper noun referring to a son of Midian (and the associated tribal region), an Israelite man, and an Israelite woman. While lacking an inherent etymological meaning beyond its identity as a name, its biblical occurrences carry significant theological weight. The mention of the Midianite ʻÊyphâh in [[Isaiah 60:6]] vividly portrays God's ultimate sovereignty and the future universal worship of Yahweh by all nations, including those historically distant or even hostile. The Israelite ʻÊyphâh figures, particularly within the genealogies of Judah, highlight the detailed nature of biblical history and the diverse composition of God's covenant people. Thus, ʻÊyphâh, though a simple proper noun, serves as a testament to the breadth of God's redemptive plan and His meticulous engagement with human history.
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