Lexical Summary Aphiyach: Aphiyach Original Word: אֲפִיחַ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Aphiah Perhaps from puwach; breeze; Aphiach, an Israelite -- Aphiah. see HEBREW puwach Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲפִיחַ proper name, masculine an ancestor of Saul Isaiah 9:1 (etymology & meaning dubious). אפל (Arabic Topical Lexicon Scriptural Occurrence Aphiah is named once, in the ancestral chain of Saul: “Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, of Benjamin” (1 Samuel 9:1). Though brief, this solitary appearance anchors Saul’s lineage in the tribe of Benjamin and links the rise of Israel’s first king to an established Benjamite family. Genealogical Placement and Historical Setting 1 Samuel 9 traces five generations: Aphiah → Becorath → Zeror → Abiel → Kish → Saul. The genealogy situates Saul within a respected clan (“a man of standing,” 1 Samuel 9:1), countering later suggestions that Saul’s family was insignificant (compare 1 Samuel 9:21). By preserving Aphiah’s name, Scripture affirms the continuity of covenant history even during the turbulent era of the Judges, when tribal identities were often in flux (Judges 21:15–25). Name Theme: Breath and Life While lexical details are not repeated here, the underlying motif of “breath” in the name highlights the life-giving action of God. In biblical theology, breath often symbolizes divine empowerment (Genesis 2:7; Ezekiel 37:9–10). The placement of such a name at the head of Saul’s pedigree subtly reminds readers that every line of leadership ultimately depends on God’s sustaining breath. Role in the Narrative of Saul 1. Legitimizing Kingship: By recording Aphiah and his descendants, the text demonstrates that Saul’s kingship arises from an established, God-recognized family—not from arbitrary human ambition. Theological Significance • Providence in Obscurity: Aphiah lived generations before national monarchy, yet his faithful lineage mattered for God’s unfolding plan. This affirms that unnamed seasons of faithfulness contribute to future Kingdom purposes (Psalm 145:4). Applications for Ministry 1. Valuing Hidden Generations: Pastors and teachers can encourage believers that quiet faithfulness (like that of Aphiah) lays foundations for future ministry impact. Related Names and Possible Identifications Some scholars associate Aphiah with Abiah (1 Chronicles 7:8) due to consonantal similarity, though conclusive proof is lacking. Whether or not the identification stands, such comparisons highlight the fluid spelling conventions of ancient Hebrew and encourage careful textual study. Summary Aphiah stands as a quiet yet crucial figure whose single mention secures Saul’s genealogical legitimacy, showcases God’s providence in preserving Benjamin, and invites reflection on the divine breath that sustains every generation of leadership. Forms and Transliterations אֲפִ֖יחַ אפיח ’ă·p̄î·aḥ ’ăp̄îaḥ aFiachLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 9:1 HEB: בְּכוֹרַ֛ת בֶּן־ אֲפִ֖יחַ בֶּן־ אִ֣ישׁ NAS: the son of Aphiah, the son KJV: the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, INT: of Becorath the son of Aphiah the son A man 1 Occurrence |
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disappear, depart, set (of the sun)).