Lexical Summary Epher: Epher Original Word: עֵפֶר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Epher Probably a variation of opher; gazelle; Epher, the name of an Arabian and of two Israelites -- Epher. see HEBREW opher NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as opher Definition two Isr., also a Midianite NASB Translation Epher (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs עֵ֫פֶר proper name, masculine Αφερ, etc.; — 1 'son' of Midian Genesis 25:4; 1 Chronicles 1:33 (ᵐ5L Γοφερ). 2 in Judah 1 Chronicles 4:17 (Α Γαφερ). 3 in Manasseh 1 Chronicles 5:24. עַפְרָה see ׳בֵּית לְע p.112 above Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Family LinesGenesis 25:4 and 1 Chronicles 1:33 place Epher among the five sons of Midian, Abraham’s child by Keturah. In 1 Chronicles 4:17 Epher appears in the tribe of Judah through Ezrah. In 1 Chronicles 5:24 another Epher is recorded among the eastern Manassites—“mighty men of valor, famous men, and heads of their families.” These four references point to at least three distinct individuals who lived in different eras and tribes, yet each is woven into the covenant narrative preserved by the chroniclers of Israel. Historical Background 1. Midianite Epher (Genesis 25:4). The Midianites trace their origin to Abraham, giving them proximity to the promises made to the patriarch yet outside the chosen line of Isaac. The clans founded by Ephah and Epher later inhabit the Arabian desert and frequently interact with Israel (Numbers 22:4; Judges 6:1). The Midianite branch underscores how Abraham’s broader offspring became nations that both influenced and opposed Israel. 2. Judahite Epher (1 Chronicles 4:17). The genealogy of Judah highlights post-exilic concern for land rights and temple service. Epher’s inclusion among the sons of Ezrah, who is linked with Caleb’s line, reinforces Judah’s role in leadership and worship. The surrounding verses mention marriage into Egyptian royalty (“Bithiah daughter of Pharaoh”), reflecting the international connections Judah’s families sometimes forged. 3. Manassite Epher (1 Chronicles 5:24). Set east of the Jordan, the half-tribe of Manasseh often served as a buffer between Israel and desert peoples. The chronicler singles out Epher with six other chiefs just after recounting the great victory over the Hagrites. Their “cry to God in the battle” (1 Chronicles 5:20) and His answer links Epher’s military reputation to divine dependence. Spiritual and Theological Insights • God’s Faithfulness through Generations Genealogies featuring Epher testify that the Lord remembers every branch of His covenant people. Even seemingly minor clan leaders are recorded, affirming that divine faithfulness embraces the obscure as well as the prominent. • Inclusion and Separation The Midianite Epher descends from Abraham yet develops into a nation often hostile to Israel, illustrating both the reach of God’s blessing (Genesis 12:3) and the necessity of covenant fidelity (Deuteronomy 23:3–6). The Judahite and Manassite Ephers, however, remain within Israel’s covenant community. Together they demonstrate that physical descent is not the sole determinant of blessing; obedience and allegiance to the Lord are essential. • Valor Rooted in Prayer Of the Manassite leaders Scripture says, “They cried out to God in the battle, and He answered their prayers because they trusted in Him” (1 Chronicles 5:20). Epher’s bravery is therefore portrayed not merely as martial prowess but as faith-driven courage, a pattern echoed in Gideon, David, and Hezekiah. Lessons for Ministry Application 1. Every Believer’s Story Matters. Pastors and teachers should resist overlooking “minor” names; they remind congregations that God sees each life in detail. 2. Heritage Does Not Guarantee Holiness. Like Midian’s Epher, one can possess illustrious ancestry yet depart from God’s ways. Heritage is a platform for obedience, not a substitute for it. 3. Leadership Requires Both Strength and Dependence. Epher the Manassite combines valor with prayer. Modern leaders likewise lead best when grounded in reliance on the Lord rather than in natural ability alone. 4. Cross-Cultural Engagement Demands Discernment. The Judahite genealogy shows intermarriage with Egypt. Scripture neither universally condemns nor commends such ties; it calls for fidelity to God within them (compare Ruth 1:16; Nehemiah 13:23-27). Prophetic and Redemptive Threads The scattering of Abraham’s descendants—including Midian—anticipates the later gathering of all nations through Christ (Isaiah 60:6; Ephesians 2:11-13). While Midian once opposed Israel, Isaiah foresees Midianite camels bringing gold and frankincense to Zion. Thus the biblical storyline moves from familial division (Epher son of Midian) to eschatological unity in Messiah. Related Names and Distinctions Epher should not be confused with Ephron (Genesis 23:8) or Ephraim. Each bears a separate lineage and theological emphasis. The shared root alluding to “dust” or “ashes” evokes human frailty (Genesis 18:27), reminding readers that even mighty men return to the ground, whereas God’s word endures forever. Summary Epher represents three tribal settings—Midian, Judah, and Manasseh—yet each occurrence affirms God’s meticulous care over history, His call to courageous faith, and His unfolding plan to bless all families of the earth through Abraham’s line fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations וְעֵ֡פֶר וְעֵ֣פֶר וָעֵ֙פֶר֙ ועפר vaEfer veEfer wā‘êp̄er wā·‘ê·p̄er wə‘êp̄er wə·‘ê·p̄erLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 25:4 HEB: מִדְיָ֗ן עֵיפָ֤ה וָעֵ֙פֶר֙ וַחֲנֹ֔ךְ וַאֲבִידָ֖ע NAS: [were] Ephah and Epher and Hanoch KJV: Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, INT: of Midian Ephah and Epher and Hanoch and Abida 1 Chronicles 1:33 1 Chronicles 4:17 1 Chronicles 5:24 4 Occurrences |
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