### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Tappûwach**, represented by `{{H8599}}`, is used to identify two places in Palestine and an Israelite. It appears **6 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, primarily functioning as a proper name for both a location and a person.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8599}}` is significant in the context of Israel's settlement in the promised land. It is listed as a city whose **king** `{{H4428}}` was defeated during the conquest [[Joshua 12:17]]. Geographically, Tappuah was a critical border town between the territories of two of Joseph's sons; the land of Tappuah belonged to **Manasseh** `{{H4519}}`, but the city itself was allotted to the **children** `{{H1121}}` of **Ephraim** `{{H669}}` [[Joshua 17:8]]. The name also appears in a list of cities within the tribal lands of Judah [[Joshua 15:34]]. Separately, **Tappuah** is recorded as a personal name, one of the **sons** `{{H1121}}` of **Hebron** `{{H2275}}` in the genealogies [[1 Chronicles 2:43]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which **Tappuah** appears:
* `{{H1366}}` **gᵉbûwl** (border): This word signifies a boundary or territory and is used repeatedly with Tappuah to define the dividing line between tribal allotments. The verse specifies "Tappuah on the **border** of Manasseh" [[Joshua 17:8]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): As a foundational term for lineage and descendants, this word connects to both uses of Tappuah. It refers to the tribal groups receiving land, such as "the **children** of Ephraim" [[Joshua 16:8]], and to individuals in a genealogy, like the "**sons** of Hebron" [[1 Chronicles 2:43]].
* `{{H5159}}` **nachălâh** (heritage): This term for inheritance or possession is directly tied to the land distribution involving Tappuah. The description of the border of Ephraim concludes, "This is the **inheritance** of the tribe of the children of Ephraim" [[Joshua 16:8]].
### Theological Significance
While a proper name, `{{H8599}}` carries significance through its context.
* **Divine Inheritance:** Tappuah's role in the territorial allotments is part of the larger theological narrative of God fulfilling His promise to give Israel an **inheritance** `{{H5159}}`. The detailed descriptions of its location underscore the reality of this fulfillment [[Joshua 16:8]].
* **Sovereign Boundaries:** The specific and sometimes complex boundary descriptions involving Tappuah, such as the land belonging to one tribe and the city to another, highlight a theme of divinely established order and sovereign control over the division of the **land** `{{H776}}` [[Joshua 17:8]].
* **Covenantal Lineage:** The inclusion of Tappuah in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles demonstrates the importance of lineage and **family** `{{H4940}}` in tracing the history of God's covenant people. It anchors the name within the recorded heritage of Israel [[1 Chronicles 2:43]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8599}}` **Tappûwach** is more than a simple label. It serves as a key geographical marker in the distribution of the promised land, defining the borders and inheritance of the tribes. Simultaneously, as a personal name, it is woven into the ancestral fabric of Israel. Through its dual usage, Tappuah illustrates the biblical importance of place, inheritance, and lineage in the story of God's relationship with His people.
TRV