Lexical Summary Ephah: ephah Original Word: עֵיפָהּ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ephah The same as eyphah; Ephah, the name of a son of Midian, and of the region settled by him; also of an Israelite and of an Israelitess -- Ephah. see HEBREW eyphah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom uph Definition two Isr., also a Midianite NASB Translation ephah (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. עֵיפָה proper name 1. of a people 'son' of Midian Genesis 25:4 (J) = 1 Chronicles 1:33, compare Isaiah 60:6, ᵐ5 Γαφερ, Γεφαρ, Γαιφα(ρ). 2. masculine name in Judah 1 Chronicles 2:47, ᵐ5 Γαιφα. 3. feminine concubine of Caleb 1 Chronicles 2:46, ᵐ5 Γαιφαηλ, A Γαιφα ἡ, ᵐ5L Γαιφα. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences Genesis 25:4 and 1 Chronicles 1:33 place Ephah among the sons of Midian, Abraham’s offspring through Keturah: “The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah”. In 1 Chronicles 2:46–47 a woman named Ephah is listed as a concubine of Caleb of Judah, mothering several sons. Isaiah 60:6 speaks prophetically of “young camels of Midian and Ephah” bringing wealth to Zion. Thus the name is borne by (1) a Midianite ancestor, (2) a Judahite woman, and (3) a regional clan whose caravans appear in prophetic vision. Genealogical Significance 1. Midianite Ephah: As Abraham’s grandson through Keturah, Ephah testifies that God’s promise to make Abraham “a father of many nations” extended beyond Isaac and Jacob. The Midianites, although often adversaries of Israel (Numbers 22–25; Judges 6–8), trace their lineage to the same patriarch, underlining the shared heritage and the later prophetic hope of reconciliation. Geographical and Tribal Legacy Ancient sources locate Midianite Ephah’s descendants in the northwestern Arabian sands, stretching toward the Gulf of Aqaba. Their control of caravan routes made them renowned camel traders. Archaeological references to “Yphɜ” in Assyrian annals and toponymic links in Arabian deserts corroborate a desert-dwelling, commerce-driven clan. Through trade they touched Egypt, Canaan, and Mesopotamia, bridging cultures and disseminating information—an infrastructure God later employs in Isaiah’s vision. Prophetic Relevance in Isaiah 60:6 Isaiah envisions the eschatological glory of Zion: “A multitude of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. All of them will come from Sheba, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praise of the LORD”. Here Ephah functions symbolically: Theological Insights 1. Universality of the Abrahamic Blessing: Ephah’s Midianite lineage demonstrates that divine election of Israel never excluded the ultimate salvation of the nations. Christological Foreshadowing Isaiah’s picture of gold and frankincense transported by Ephah foreshadows the Magi who “opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11). The linkage underscores: Practical Ministry Applications • Missions Vision: Like Ephah’s caravans, believers carry spiritual riches to the nations, anticipating the day when every people group brings worship to Christ. Summary Ephah appears sparsely yet meaningfully: a Midianite progenitor, a Judahite matriarch, and a prophetic emblem of Gentile worship. Across genealogies and prophecy, the name affirms God’s unbroken plan to gather all nations—descendants of Abraham near and far—into the radiant glory of His redeemed people. Forms and Transliterations וְעֵיפָ֔ה וְעֵיפָ֥ה וְעֵיפָה֙ ועיפה עֵיפָ֤ה עיפה eiFah veeiFah wə‘êp̄āh wə·‘ê·p̄āhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 25:4 HEB: וּבְנֵ֣י מִדְיָ֗ן עֵיפָ֤ה וָעֵ֙פֶר֙ וַחֲנֹ֔ךְ NAS: of Midian [were] Ephah and Epher KJV: of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, INT: the sons of Midian Ephah and Epher and Hanoch 1 Chronicles 1:33 1 Chronicles 2:46 1 Chronicles 2:47 Isaiah 60:6 5 Occurrences |
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