from an unused root meaning to expand, breadth; Tsophach, an Israelite; Zophah.
Transliteration:Tsôwphach
Pronunciation:tso-fakh'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H6690}}` (*Tsôwphach*), transliterated as Zophah, is a proper noun derived from an unused root. The etymological definition provided points to a core meaning related to "expansion" or "breadth." While the root itself is not attested elsewhere in the biblical corpus, its proposed meaning suggests concepts of widening, spreading out, or increasing in size or scope. As a personal name, *Tsôwphach* would likely have been given with the hope or intention that the individual, or their lineage, would experience prosperity, growth, or a numerous posterity, reflecting a common practice in ancient Israel where names often carried prophetic or aspirational significance. Due to its nature as a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to this etymological suggestion and its singular application as a person's name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H6690}}` (*Tsôwphach*) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Chronicles.
* **[[1 Chronicles 7:35]]**: "And the sons of Helem his brother; Zophah, and Imna, and Shelesh, and Amal."
This verse is part of an extensive genealogical record of the tribe of Asher. Zophah is listed as one of the sons of Helem, who is himself identified as a brother of Shamer (or Shemer, depending on the manuscript variation). The context is purely genealogical, serving to document the lineage and family structure of the Israelite tribes. No narrative details, actions, or specific roles are attributed to Zophah. His inclusion is solely for the purpose of maintaining the tribal records, which were vital for land inheritance, priestly service, and establishing tribal identity within ancient Israel. The brevity of the mention underscores that not every individual in the biblical record is highlighted for their deeds, but their very existence and lineage are deemed significant enough for inclusion in the sacred text.
### Related Words & Concepts
While `{{H6690}}` itself stems from an unused root, its proposed meaning of "expansion" or "breadth" connects it to broader biblical themes and other Hebrew words. Concepts of "breadth" or "enlargement" often signify blessing, prosperity, or liberation in the Scriptures.
* The Hebrew word `{{H7342}}` (*rachav*) means "broad" or "wide," and its related verb `{{H7337}}` (*rachav*) means "to make wide" or "enlarge." For instance, God promises to bring His people into a "large place" (*rachav*) as a metaphor for freedom and security (e.g., [[Psalm 18:19]]).
* The idea of "increase" or "multiplication" is often expressed by words like `{{H7235}}` (*rabah*), meaning "to be great" or "to multiply," which is frequently associated with God's covenant promises of numerous descendants (e.g., [[Genesis 1:28]], [[Genesis 17:2]]).
* The concept of "expansion" can also be linked to the growth of God's kingdom or the spread of His truth, though this is a more theological rather than lexical connection to *Tsôwphach*.
The name Zophah, therefore, subtly echoes these broader biblical themes of divine blessing, fruitfulness, and the enlargement of God's people, even if the individual himself is not a prominent figure.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6690}}` *Tsôwphach* is primarily derived from its inclusion in the inspired genealogies and the potential meaning of its name.
1. **Divine Providence in Lineage**: The meticulous record-keeping of genealogies in books like Chronicles underscores God's sovereign hand in the history of His people. Every name, even those briefly mentioned like Zophah, testifies to the continuity of God's covenant with Israel and His faithfulness in preserving a people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. It highlights that God knows and values each individual within His covenant community.
2. **Meaning in Names**: The etymological root suggesting "expansion" or "breadth" points to a common biblical motif where names embody aspirations, prophecies, or characteristics. While Zophah's life is unrecorded, his name itself could be seen as an expression of hope for the prosperity and increase of his family line or the tribe of Asher, reflecting God's general desire for His people to flourish and multiply.
3. **Theological Importance of Genealogies**: Genealogies are not mere lists; they are theological statements affirming identity, heritage, and the unfolding of salvation history. They establish the legitimacy of tribal claims, the priesthood, and ultimately, the lineage of the Messiah. Zophah's inclusion, however minor, contributes to this larger tapestry of divine order and historical continuity, demonstrating that even seemingly insignificant individuals play a part in God's grand design.
### Summary
`{{H6690}}` *Tsôwphach* (Zophah) is a proper noun appearing once in the biblical text, specifically in [[1 Chronicles 7:35]] as a descendant in the genealogy of the tribe of Asher. Its etymological root suggests a meaning of "expansion" or "breadth," which aligns with broader biblical themes of divine blessing, fruitfulness, and the enlargement of God's people. While Zophah himself is not a figure of narrative prominence, his inclusion in the sacred genealogies underscores the theological importance of lineage in God's covenant history. It testifies to God's meticulous care for His people, His knowledge of each individual, and the subtle ways in which even the names of minor figures can echo profound biblical concepts of prosperity and divine purpose.
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