649. Appayim
Lexical Summary
Appayim: Nostrils, Face, Anger

Original Word: אַפַּיִם
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Appayim
Pronunciation: ap-pah-yeem
Phonetic Spelling: (ap-pah'-yim)
KJV: Appaim
NASB: Appaim
Word Origin: [dual of H639 (אַף - anger)]

1. two nostrils
2. Appajim, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Appaim

Dual of 'aph; two nostrils; Appajim, an Israelite -- Appaim.

see HEBREW 'aph

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from anaph
Definition
an Isr.
NASB Translation
Appaim (2).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
אַמַּיִם proper name, masculine a son of Nadab, 1 Chronicles 2:30,31.

Topical Lexicon
Etymology and Meaning

Though the underlying Hebrew root typically conveys the idea of “nostrils” or “anger,” in the present context אַפַּיִם functions as a proper name. Its placement in the genealogy of Judah transforms a common noun into a personal designation, illustrating the biblical practice of embedding theological or experiential nuance within individual names.

Biblical Occurrences

1 Chronicles 2:30–31 records both appearances:

“The sons of Nadab: Seled and Appaim, but Seled died without children. The son of Appaim: Ishi. The son of Ishi: Sheshan. The descendants of Sheshan: Ahlai.” (Berean Standard Bible)

Historical Setting

Appaim belongs to the Jerahmeelite branch of Judah’s tribe, several generations removed from Hezron. The Chronicler’s post-exilic audience, freshly re-established in the land, would have heard these names as proof that the covenant line—despite exile, dispersion, and apparent discontinuity—remained intact. By preserving even a little-known figure such as Appaim, Scripture underscores God’s meticulous preservation of His people’s history.

Role within the Genealogy

1. Continuity: Appaim provides the indispensable link between Nadab and Ishi, eventually leading to Sheshan, whose line survives through a daughter in verse 34.
2. Testament to God’s Providence: Seled’s childlessness (verse 30) highlights the fragile nature of every generation. The line survives solely because Appaim does have a son, showcasing divine oversight in sustaining Judah’s heritage.
3. Literary Balance: Chronicles alternates between flourishing branches and threatened lines. Appaim’s placement—surrounded by death, barrenness, and unconventional succession—accentuates the hand of God steering every twist of Israel’s story.

Theological Insights

• Divine Concern for the Individual: In a list largely populated by obscure names, Appaim receives specific mention. The Spirit’s inclusion of such details teaches that no servant of God is overlooked (compare Matthew 10:30).
• Sovereignty Over Generational Outcomes: One brother dies childless; the other becomes the conduit for future generations. Human contingency is real, yet God’s redemptive purposes stand (Psalm 33:11).
• Redemption amid Brokenness: The wider passage eventually highlights Sheshan’s marriage of his daughter Ahlai to his Egyptian servant (1 Chronicles 2:34–35), introducing gentile blood into the Judahite line. Appaim’s place in that chain reminds readers that God’s covenant grace is not hindered by social norms or ethnic boundaries.

Ministry Application

1. Encouragement to the “Unknown”: Many believers labor outside public recognition. Appaim’s brief appearance demonstrates that God memorializes faithfulness unnoticed by the world.
2. Hope for Imperiled Families: Modern readers facing infertility, estrangement, or generational rupture find comfort in the way the Lord shepherded this fragile branch of Judah into future fruitfulness.
3. Importance of Spiritual Legacy: While biological offspring are emphasized in Chronicles, New Covenant ministry stresses discipleship (2 Timothy 2:2). Appaim’s genealogical significance can inspire believers to invest intentionally in spiritual sons and daughters.

Typological Reflection

The Chronicler’s detailed genealogies ultimately narrow toward the royal, messianic line culminating in Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1–16). Each preserved name, including Appaim, testifies to God’s faithfulness to His messianic promise. The very ordinariness of Appaim magnifies the extraordinary providence guiding history to Bethlehem.

Intertextual Echoes

Because the root word often denotes “nose” or “anger,” Appaim’s name subtly evokes the Lord’s posture toward sin and mercy. Israel’s account is punctuated by divine anger restrained for covenant mercy’s sake (Isaiah 54:8). The person named “Appaim” stands in a lineage where God’s righteous anger meets gracious forbearance—a theme fulfilled at the cross.

Conclusion

Appaim’s two short mentions invite readers to marvel at the God who weaves every individual, however obscure, into His redemptive tapestry. In genealogies easily skimmed, the Spirit engraves lessons on providence, covenant fidelity, and personal value before the Lord.

Forms and Transliterations
אַפַּ֖יִם אפים וְאַפָּ֑יִם ואפים ’ap·pa·yim ’appayim apPayim veapPayim wə’appāyim wə·’ap·pā·yim
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
1 Chronicles 2:30
HEB: נָדָ֖ב סֶ֣לֶד וְאַפָּ֑יִם וַיָּ֥מָת סֶ֖לֶד
NAS: [were] Seled and Appaim, and Seled
KJV: Seled, and Appaim: but Seled
INT: of Nadab Seled and Appaim died and Seled

1 Chronicles 2:31
HEB: וּבְנֵ֥י אַפַּ֖יִם יִשְׁעִ֑י וּבְנֵ֤י
NAS: The son of Appaim [was] Ishi.
KJV: And the sons of Appaim; Ishi.
INT: the son of Appaim Ishi and the son

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 649
2 Occurrences


’ap·pa·yim — 1 Occ.
wə·’ap·pā·yim — 1 Occ.

648
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