Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Reference: Sephar is mentioned in the Bible in the genealogical account of the descendants of Noah's sons. Specifically, it is found in Genesis 10:30, which states: "Their dwelling extended from Mesha all the way to Sephar, the eastern hill country" . This reference is part of the Table of Nations, which outlines the spread of Noah's descendants after the flood. Geographical Context: Sephar is described as being located in the "eastern hill country," suggesting a region that is eastward from the perspective of the ancient Israelites. The exact location of Sephar is not definitively known, but it is traditionally associated with the Arabian Peninsula. Some scholars propose that Sephar might be linked to the ancient city of Zafar in Yemen, which was a significant center in the ancient Sabaean kingdom. This association is based on historical and linguistic considerations, as well as the geographical description provided in Genesis. Cultural and Historical Significance: In the context of the Table of Nations, Sephar is part of the lineage of Joktan, a descendant of Shem, one of Noah's sons. Joktan's descendants are believed to have settled in the Arabian Peninsula, and Sephar represents the easternmost boundary of their territory. This aligns with the broader narrative of the dispersion of peoples and the establishment of various nations and cultures following the flood. The mention of Sephar in the Bible highlights the ancient understanding of geography and the spread of human civilization. It reflects the biblical worldview of the time, which saw the world as populated by the descendants of Noah's sons, each establishing their own territories and cultures. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the mention of Sephar in the Table of Nations underscores the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over the nations. It illustrates the fulfillment of God's command to Noah and his descendants to "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1). The dispersion of peoples and the establishment of diverse cultures and languages are seen as part of God's divine plan for humanity. Furthermore, the genealogical records in Genesis, including the mention of Sephar, serve to connect the narrative of the early chapters of Genesis with the broader account of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants. It provides a historical and geographical backdrop for understanding the origins of the nations that would later interact with the people of Israel. Conclusion: While the precise location of Sephar remains uncertain, its mention in the Bible provides valuable insight into the ancient world and the biblical understanding of human history and geography. It serves as a testament to the spread of humanity and the establishment of nations in accordance with God's providential plan. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary SepharSmith's Bible Dictionary Sephar(a numbering). It is written after the enumeration of the sons of Joktan, "And their dwelling was from Mesha as thou goest unto Sephar a mount of the east." (Genesis 10:30) The Joktanites occupied the southwestern portion of the peninsula of Arabia. The undoubted identifications of Arabian places and tribes with their Joktanite originals are included within these limits, and point to Sephar, on the shore of the Indian Ocean, as the eastern boundary. The ancient seaport town called Zafar represents the biblical site or district. ATS Bible Dictionary Sephar"A mountain of the East," a boundary of the Joktanite tribes, Genesis 10:30. It is perhaps the same as Mount Sabber in Southwestern Arabia. Easton's Bible Dictionary Numbering, (Genesis 10:30), supposed by some to be the ancient Himyaritic capital, "Shaphar," Zaphar, on the Indian Ocean, between the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SEPHARse'-far: Only in Genesis 10:30 cepharah, "toward Sephar"), as the eastern limit of the territory of the sons of Yoktan (Joktan). From the similarity between the names of most of Yoktan's sons and the names of South Arabian towns or districts, it can hardly be doubted that Sephar is represented by the Arabic Qafar. The appropriateness of the site seems to outweigh the discrepancy between Arabic "z" and Hebrew "s". But two important towns in South Arabia bear this name. The one lies a little to the South of San`a'. According to tradition it was founded by Shammir, one of the Sabean kings, and for a long time served as the royal seat of the Tubbas. The other Zafar stands on the coast in the district of Shichr, East of Chadramaut. The latter is probably to be accepted as the Biblical site. Strong's Hebrew 5611. Sephar -- a place in S. Arabia... 5610, 5611. Sephar. 5612 . a place in S. Arabia. Transliteration: Sephar Phonetic Spelling: (sef-awr') Short Definition: Sephar. ... /hebrew/5611.htm - 6k 5610. sephar -- enumeration, census 5609. sephar -- a book 5617. Sepharvayim -- a city conquered by the king of Assyr. Library Chapter x Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Thesaurus Sephar (1 Occurrence)...SEPHAR. se'-far: Only in Genesis 10:30 cepharah, "toward Sephar"), as the eastern limit of the territory of the sons of Yoktan (Joktan). ...Sephar (1 Occurrence). ... /s/sephar.htm - 7k Kirjath-sephar (1 Occurrence) Sephar'vites (1 Occurrence) Sephar-vaim (1 Occurrence) Sephar'ad (1 Occurrence) Sephar-va'im (2 Occurrences) Sepharad (1 Occurrence) Sepharvaim (6 Occurrences) Kirjathsepher (4 Occurrences) Resources Who are Semites? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sephar (1 Occurrence)Genesis 10:30 Subtopics Related Terms |
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