The Hebrew name Tsᵉphôw, represented by H6825, means observant. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses, exclusively within Old Testament genealogies. Spelled as both Zepho and Zephi, the name identifies a specific Idumaean (Edomite) individual in the lineage of Esau.
Tsᵉphôw is consistently identified as a son of Eliphaz and a grandson of Esau. In Genesis, he is listed among the "sons H1121 of Eliphaz H464" Genesis 36:11 and later noted as a leader, "duke H441 Zepho H6825" Genesis 36:15. This establishes him not just as a descendant but as a chieftain among the burgeoning clans of Edom. The parallel genealogy in 1 Chronicles reaffirms his place in this lineage, using the variant spelling Zephi 1 Chronicles 1:36.
Several related words clarify the familial and political context of Tsᵉphôw:
- H6215 'Êsâv (rough... Esau): As the patriarch of the Edomites, 'Êsâv is the grandfather of Tsᵉphôw. The genealogies that mention Tsᵉphôw serve to document the posterity of Esau Genesis 36:15.
- H464 'Ĕlîyphaz (God of gold; Eliphaz): He is the father of Tsᵉphôw and the firstborn son of Esau. All scriptural references to Tsᵉphôw place him within the list of the sons of Eliphaz Genesis 36:11.
- H1121 bên (a son): This word is fundamental to the context of Tsᵉphôw, establishing his place in the family line as one of the "sons H1121 of Eliphaz" 1 Chronicles 1:36.
- H441 'allûwph (chieftain; captain, duke): This title is directly applied to Tsᵉphôw and his brothers, indicating their status as leaders of Edomite clans. The list of the "dukes H441 of the sons of Esau" explicitly includes "duke H441 Zepho" Genesis 36:15.
The significance of H6825 is rooted in its contribution to the biblical record of nations.
- Edomite Lineage: The name Tsᵉphôw is a key data point in the detailed genealogy of Esau's descendants, who became the Edomite nation. He is part of the line of Esau's firstborn son, 'Ĕlîyphaz Genesis 36:15.
- Clan Leadership: By being named as a "duke H441" Genesis 36:15, Tsᵉphôw is identified as a founder or chieftain of an Edomite clan, highlighting the political and social structure of early Edom.
- Historical Record: His inclusion, along with his brothers like Teman H8487 and Omar H201, provides a framework for understanding the origins of the clans that would interact with Israel throughout its history.
In summary, Tsᵉphôw H6825 is a specific genealogical marker rather than a term with broad theological meaning. It names a son of Eliphaz and grandson of Esau who became a chieftain in Edom. Its few appearances serve the important biblical function of documenting the lineage and structure of the nations descending from the patriarchs, providing a historical foundation for the subsequent narrative of Israel and its neighbors.
TRV