Lexical Summary Ephraim: Ephraim Original Word: Ἐφραΐμ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ephraim. Of Hebrew origin ('Ephrayim or better Ephrown); Ephraim, a place in Palestine -- Ephraim. see HEBREW 'Ephrayim see HEBREW Ephrown NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably of Hebrew origin Definition Ephraim, a city near Jer. NASB Translation Ephraim (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2187: ΑφραιμΑφραιμ or (so R Tr) Αφραιμ (cf. Iota, at the end) (א L H Ἐφρεμ, Vulg.Ephrem,Efrem), Ephraim, proper name of a city situated, according to Eusebius, eight (but edition Larsow and Parthey, p. 196, 18, twenty), according to Jerome twenty miles from Jerusalem; according to Josephus, b. j. 4, 9, 9 not far from Bethel; conjectured by Robinson (Palest. i. 444f (cf. Bib. Sacr. for May 1845, p. 398f)), Ewald, et al., dissenting, to be the same as the village now called et-Taiyibeh, a short day's journey N. E. of Jerusalem: John 11:54. Cf. Winers RWB under the word; Keim, iii., p. 7f (English translation, 5:9). Topical Lexicon Geographical setting The village called Ephraim lay in the hill country of Judea, “near the wilderness” (John 11:54). Ancient sources and modern scholarship identify it with present-day Taybeh, about twenty miles (thirty-two kilometers) northeast of Jerusalem and a short distance east of Bethel. Its elevated position commanded views toward the Jordan Valley and the Judean wilderness, making it a natural refuge for travelers who wished to stay out of public view while still remaining within reach of the Jerusalem area. Old Testament background of the name Although Strong’s Greek 2187 concerns the specific village, the Old Testament repeatedly ties the name Ephraim to themes of fruitfulness, leadership, and prophetic destiny: These associations gave the name resonances of both blessing and divided loyalty—nuances worth recalling when Jesus, the true and faithful Son, chose a village of that name as a temporary place of retreat. New Testament occurrence John 11:54 is the sole New Testament reference: “As a result, Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but withdrew to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and He stayed there with His disciples”. The verse stands between two pivotal events: the raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44) and the triumphal entry into Jerusalem (John 12:12-19). Narrative role in the Fourth Gospel 1. Protective withdrawal. After the Sanhedrin resolved to kill Him (John 11:53), Jesus left the public eye. Ephraim’s seclusion served God’s timing; His “hour” had not yet come (John 7:30; John 12:23). Historical significance for early readers Believers in the first century, acquainted with the growing hostility in Jerusalem, would recognize the strategic wisdom of Jesus’ choice. Ephraim’s location on the edge of the wilderness evoked memories of David’s refuge from Saul (1 Samuel 23:14) and Israel’s formative wilderness experiences. The brief stay painted Jesus as the greater David preparing for His ultimate triumph, and as the greater Moses emerging from the wilderness to accomplish redemption. Theological themes • Sovereign timing: The move to Ephraim demonstrates Christ’s control over His earthly ministry schedule (John 10:18). Application for ministry today 1. Strategic retreat has biblical precedent. Modern servants of Christ may need seasons away from public platforms to pray, teach, or prepare hearts for coming challenges. Key reference Forms and Transliterations Εφραιμ Ἐφραὶμ Ephraim EphraìmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |