dual of masculine form of אֶפְרָת; double fruit; Ephrajim, a son of Joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; Ephraim, Ephraimites.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼEphrayim**, represented by `{{H669}}`, means **double fruit**. It appears **180 times** in **164 verses**, referring to one of Joseph's sons, the tribe descended from him, and its territory. The name is most famously used by the prophets to represent the northern kingdom of Israel, often in the context of its covenant relationship with God, its rebellion, and the promise of its restoration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Joseph names his second son **ʼEphrayim** because God had caused him to be fruitful in the land of his affliction [[Genesis 41:52]]. Despite being the younger son, Ephraim received the primary blessing from Jacob, who intentionally crossed his hands to place his right hand on Ephraim's head instead of on his older brother Manasseh's [[Genesis 48:14]]. This act established Ephraim's prominence. The tribe of Ephraim became a major force in Israel, with its territory, known as Mount Ephraim, serving as a central region for events like the establishment of cities of refuge [[Joshua 20:7]] and the building of Shechem by Jeroboam [[1 Kings 12:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and names are crucial to understanding the context of `{{H669}}`:
* `{{H4519}}` **Mᵉnashsheh** (causing to forget; Menashsheh, a grandson of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; Manasseh): As Ephraim's older brother, he is often mentioned alongside him. Though Manasseh was the firstborn, Ephraim received the greater blessing, yet they are listed together as the "ten thousands of Ephraim" and the "thousands of Manasseh" [[Deuteronomy 33:17]].
* `{{H3063}}` **Yᵉhûwdâh** (celebrated; Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory; Judah): Representing the southern kingdom, Judah is often contrasted with Ephraim (the northern kingdom). The prophets address them both in their shared fall [[Hosea 5:5]] and their future conflict [[Isaiah 9:21]].
* `{{H8111}}` **Shômᵉrôwn** (watch-station; Shomeron, a place in Palestine; Samaria): As the capital city of the northern kingdom, Samaria is identified as the "head of Ephraim" [[Isaiah 7:9]] and is frequently associated with Ephraim's sin and wickedness [[Hosea 7:1]].
* `{{H2022}}` **har** (a mountain or range of hills): The phrase "mount Ephraim" designates the tribe's core territory and is the setting for many significant events, from a Levite's sojourning [[Judges 19:1]] to the burial place of Eleazar, Aaron's son [[Joshua 24:33]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H669}}` is significant, illustrating God's sovereignty and covenant faithfulness.
* **Divine Election:** The blessing of Ephraim over Manasseh demonstrates God's sovereign choice, which is not bound by human tradition like birthright. God Himself declares, "Ephraim is my firstborn" [[Jeremiah 31:9]], elevating him to a position of prominence and special relationship.
* **Symbol of Apostasy:** In the prophetic books, Ephraim often symbolizes the entire northern kingdom's spiritual adultery and rebellion. Hosea describes Ephraim as a "cake not turned" [[Hosea 7:8]], mixing with other nations and committing "whoredom" [[Hosea 6:10]]. They are rebuked for their pride [[Isaiah 9:9]] and for making foolish alliances with Egypt and Assyria [[Hosea 7:11]].
* **Fatherly Discipline and Love:** Despite their rebellion, God's relationship with Ephraim is portrayed as that of a father to a son. He chastises Ephraim like an "unaccustomed bullock" [[Jeremiah 31:18]], but His heart is turned with compassion. God asks, "Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child?" and promises to "surely have mercy upon him" [[Jeremiah 31:20]].
* **Promise of Restoration:** The story of Ephraim culminates in a promise of restoration. God will bring Israel back to feed upon Mount Ephraim [[Jeremiah 50:19]], and Ephraim will be reunited with Judah as one nation, represented by the two sticks of Joseph and Judah becoming one in God's hand [[Ezekiel 37:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H669}}` **ʼEphrayim** transcends its literal meaning of "double fruit" to become a central character in Israel's redemptive story. From a blessed son to a powerful tribe and, ultimately, a symbol for the rebellious northern kingdom, Ephraim's journey encapsulates themes of divine election, the tragic consequences of sin, and the persistent, restorative love of God. The name illustrates how God's fatherly discipline is always aimed at bringing His wayward children back to a place of mercy and restoration.
TRV