The Hebrew word Tsᵉphôwn, represented by H6827, is the proper name Zephon, identifying an Israelite. It appears 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its sole function is to serve as a specific genealogical marker, identifying the head of a family within one of Israel's tribes.
The single appearance of Tsᵉphôwn is found in the census of the Israelite tribes recorded in the book of Numbers. In this context, Zephon is listed as a descendant of Gad, establishing a specific family line. The verse reads, “The children of Gad after their families: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites” Numbers 26:15. This entry is crucial for documenting the structure of the tribe of Gad before the allocation of land in Canaan.
The significance of Tsᵉphôwn is entirely genealogical and historical. It plays a specific role in the administrative and national record of Israel.
- Clan Foundation: The name Zephon is the foundation for the clan of “the Zephonites” H6831, demonstrating how an individual's identity was preserved through their descendants in the biblical record.
- Tribal Structure: By being named as a descendant of Gad, Zephon's lineage is formally documented, cementing his family's place within the structure of the twelve tribes Numbers 26:15.
- Census Record: The mention of Zephon is part of a comprehensive census, a critical administrative act for organizing the nation for military purposes and for the eventual distribution of the Promised Land.
In summary, Tsᵉphôwn Zephon is a proper name whose importance is tied directly to its singular mention in scripture. It is not a word with layered theological meaning but a vital piece of data in the genealogical record of Israel. It serves as a clear example of the Bible's precision in tracking the lineage of its people, ensuring that even individual family heads like Zephon are recorded as part of the nation's history.
