from the dual of רָמָה and the plural of the active participle of צָפָה; double height of watchers; Ramathajim-Tsophim, a place in Palestine; Ramathaimzophim.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew place name **Râmâthayim Tsôwphîym**, represented by `{{H7436}}`, means **double height of watchers**. This name, also rendered Ramathaimzophim, appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, marking it as a highly specific location tied to a singular narrative event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H7436}}` is in the opening verse of 1 Samuel, where it establishes the origin of a key biblical figure. The text states, "Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah" [[1 Samuel 1:1]]. This verse uses the location to immediately ground the story, identifying Elkanah `{{H511}}` not only by his hometown but also by his region, mount `{{H2022}}` Ephraim `{{H669}}`, and his specific lineage as an Ephrathite `{{H673}}`. The location serves as the starting point for the narrative of Elkanah and his family.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H7436}}` is enriched by several related words found within its only verse of mention:
* `{{H2022}}` **har** (a mountain or range of hills): Ramathaimzophim is situated in **mount** Ephraim, linking the location to a high place. Mountains are often depicted as places of divine encounter and stability, such as mount Zion which "cannot be removed, but abideth for ever" [[Psalms 125:1]].
* `{{H669}}` **ʼEphrayim** (double fruit; Ephrajim): This is the name of the tribe and territory where Ramathaimzophim was located. Ephraim holds a special place in the narrative of Israel, with God referring to the tribe as His "dear son" and "firstborn" ([[Jeremiah 31:20]], [[Jeremiah 31:9]]).
* `{{H376}}` **ʼîysh** (a man as an individual or a male person): The narrative is introduced through "a certain **man**" from this town. The term is used throughout scripture to refer to individuals, whether a blessed man who walks in God's counsel [[Psalms 1:1]] or as a contrast to God, who is "not a **man**, that he should lie" [[Numbers 23:19]].
### Theological Significance
While appearing only once, the theological context surrounding `{{H7436}}` is significant.
* **Geographic Specificity:** Scripture often grounds its narratives in real, specific places. The mention of Ramathaimzophim emphasizes that God's plan unfolds in tangible locations and involves particular people with clearly defined ancestries [[1 Samuel 1:1]].
* **Origin of a Divine Story:** This town is the starting point for the story of Elkanah `{{H511}}`, whose name means "God has obtained." The narrative that begins in this place is central to the unfolding of God's purposes in Israel.
* **A Prominent Place:** The name itself, "double height of watchers," located in "mount Ephraim," suggests a place of prominence or observation. It serves as a fitting backdrop for the beginning of a story that reveals God's watchfulness over His people.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7436}}` is a specific place name that, despite its single use, plays a crucial role in setting the stage for a major biblical narrative. It anchors the story of Elkanah in a precise geographical and tribal context within Ephraim. The meaning of the name itself, "double height of watchers," combined with its location, underscores the importance of place in the unfolding of divine history.
TRV