### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
**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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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