Etymology and Meaning:
The term "Suph" is derived from the Hebrew word סוּף (suph), which can mean "reed" or "end." It is often associated with the Red Sea, known in Hebrew as "Yam Suph," meaning "Sea of Reeds."

Biblical References:
Suph is mentioned in the context of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 1:1 , it is noted: "These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel in the wilderness east of the Jordan—in the Arabah opposite Suph, between Paran and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab." This reference situates Suph geographically in the narrative of the Israelites' wanderings.

Geographical Context:
The exact location of Suph is not definitively known, but it is generally considered to be in the region east of the Jordan River, possibly near the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba. The mention of Suph in Deuteronomy suggests it was a notable landmark or region during the Israelites' journey.

Theological Significance:
Suph is significant in the biblical narrative as it marks a point in the Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. The mention of Suph in Deuteronomy serves as a reminder of the trials and tribulations faced by the Israelites and the faithfulness of God in guiding them through the wilderness.

Historical and Cultural Context:
In the broader historical and cultural context, the term "Suph" and its association with the "Sea of Reeds" has led to various interpretations and debates among scholars regarding the exact route of the Exodus. The traditional view holds that the crossing of the Red Sea was a miraculous event, demonstrating God's power and deliverance.

Related Terms and Concepts:
· Yam Suph (Red Sea): Often associated with the miraculous crossing by the Israelites as they fled from Pharaoh's army (Exodus 14).
· Wilderness Wanderings: The period of 40 years during which the Israelites traveled through the desert before entering the Promised Land.
· Moses: The leader of the Israelites who delivered God's law and guided them through the wilderness.

Interpretative Challenges:
The identification of Suph and its precise location remains a topic of scholarly debate. Some propose that it refers to a specific location, while others suggest it may be a more general term for a region or type of landscape. The association with the "Sea of Reeds" further complicates the understanding, as it raises questions about the traditional identification of the Red Sea crossing.

Conclusion:
While the exact location and nature of Suph remain uncertain, its mention in the biblical text underscores its importance as a geographical and theological marker in the narrative of the Israelites' journey. The reference to Suph in Deuteronomy serves as a testament to the enduring faith and perseverance of God's people as they moved toward the fulfillment of His promises.(Deuteronomy 1:1, R.V.; marg., "some ancient versions have the Red Sea, " as in the A.V.). Some identify it with Suphah (Numbers 21:14, marg., A.V.) as probably the name of a place. Others identify it with es-Sufah = Maaleh-acrabbim (Joshua 15:3), and others again with Zuph (1 Samuel 9:5). It is most probable, however, that, in accordance with the ancient versions, this word is to be regarded as simply an abbreviation of Yam-suph, i.e., the "Red Sea." SUPH

soof (cuph; plesion tes eruthras (thalasses); the King James Version Red Sea): As the verse stands, the place where Moses addressed the children of Israel is indicated as "beyond the Jordan in the wilderness, in the Arabah over against Suph" (Deuteronomy 1:1). the King James Version, following Septuagint, takes the name as a contraction of yam cuph (see RED SEA). The abbreviation is not found elsewhere. The name of the sea was not derived from that of a city; so we need not look in that direction. Knobel suggested Naqb es-Safa, a pass about 25 miles West-Southwest of the Dead Sea. But it is "unsuitably situated; nor does the name agree phonetically (for... agrees with..., not with...)" (Driver, "Deuteronomy," ICC, 4). No identification is possible.

W. Ewing

5489. Suph -- "reed," a place near which the law was given
... 5488, 5489. Suph. 5490 . "reed," a place near which the law was given.
Transliteration: Suph Phonetic Spelling: (soof) Short Definition: Suph. ...
/hebrew/5489.htm - 6k

5487. suph -- to be fulfilled
... 5486, 5487. suph. 5488 . to be fulfilled. Transliteration: suph Phonetic Spelling:
(soof) Short Definition: fulfilled. ... 5486, 5487. suph. 5488 . ...
/hebrew/5487.htm - 6k

5486. suph -- to come to an end, cease
... 5485, 5486. suph. 5487 . to come to an end, cease. Transliteration: suph Phonetic
Spelling: (soof) Short Definition: end. ... 5485, 5486. suph. 5487 . ...
/hebrew/5486.htm - 6k

5488. suph -- reeds, rushes
... 5487, 5488. suph. 5489 . reeds, rushes. Transliteration: suph Phonetic Spelling:
(soof) Short Definition: red. ... 5487, 5488. suph. 5489 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/5488.htm - 6k

5490. soph -- an end
... end. Word Origin from suph Definition an end NASB Word Usage conclusion*
(1), end (3), rear (1). conclusion, end, hinder participle. ...
/hebrew/5490.htm - 6k

5492b. Suphah -- a place East of the Jordan
... Word Origin from suph Definition a place E. of the Jordan NASB Word Usage Suphah
(1). 5492a, 5492b. Suphah. 5493 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/5492b.htm - 5k

5492a. suphah -- a storm wind
... Word Origin from suph Definition a storm wind NASB Word Usage gale (1), storm (3),
tempest (2), whirlwind (8), windstorms (1). 5492, 5492a. suphah. 5492b . ...
/hebrew/5492a.htm - 5k

Suph (9 Occurrences)
... 9:5). It is most probable, however, that, in accordance with the ancient versions,
this word is to be regarded as simply an abbreviation of Yam-suph, ie, the ...
/s/suph.htm - 10k

Suphah (1 Occurrence)
... It is probably identical with Suph of Deuteronomy 1:1. Tristram (Land of Moab, 50)
suggested identification with Ghor es-Safiyeh, a small oasis East of the mud ...
/s/suphah.htm - 8k

Red (124 Occurrences)
... Between these two arms lies the Sinaitic Peninsula. The Hebrew name generally
given to this sea is Yam Suph. This word suph means ...
/r/red.htm - 77k

Flag (30 Occurrences)
... In Exodus 2:3, 5, Isaiah 19:6, it is the rendering of the Hebrew suph_, a word which
occurs frequently in connection with _yam; as yam suph, to denote the "Red ...
/f/flag.htm - 18k

Tophel (1 Occurrence)
... Deuteronomy 1:1 These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan
in the wilderness, in the Arabah over against Suph, between Paran, and ...
/t/tophel.htm - 7k

Rebuketh (5 Occurrences)
... Rebuketh (5 Occurrences). Psalms 106:9 And rebuketh the sea of Suph, and it is dried
up, And causeth them to go Through depths as a wilderness. (YLT). ...
/r/rebuketh.htm - 7k

Di'-zahab (1 Occurrence)
... Deuteronomy 1:1 These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan
in the wilderness, in the Arabah over against Suph, between Paran, and ...
/d/di'-zahab.htm - 6k

Di-zahab (1 Occurrence)
... Deuteronomy 1:1 These are the words which Moses spake unto all Israel beyond the
Jordan in the wilderness, in the Arabah over against Suph, between Paran, and ...
/d/di-zahab.htm - 7k

Dizahab (1 Occurrence)
... Deuteronomy 1:1 These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan
in the wilderness, in the Arabah over against Suph, between Paran, and ...
/d/dizahab.htm - 8k

Paran (11 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 1:1 These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan
in the wilderness, in the Arabah over against Suph, between Paran, and ...
/p/paran.htm - 13k

Did the Israelites in the book of Exodus cross the Red Sea or the Reed Sea? | GotQuestions.org

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