Ἐφραίμ (Ephraim)
Ephraim
Ephraim
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The proper noun Ephraim refers to a specific town located near Jerusalem. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in John 11:54, where Jesus withdraws to this place for safety and privacy.
The name itself carries the meaning of "double fruitfulness," derived from Hebrew roots that emphasize abundance or dual blessing. This etymological weight contrasts with the town’s current role as a place of retreat rather than public ministry.
Its singular occurrence highlights a moment of strategic withdrawal. Rather than continuing his public work in Jerusalem, Jesus chooses Ephraim to avoid premature conflict, illustrating a shift in his mission timeline.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Jesus’ choice to withdraw to Ephraim reveals that even the Son of God valued seasons of quiet retreat. When the pressure in Jerusalem became too great, He did not force a confrontation. Instead, He moved to a small town near the wilderness, seeking safety and privacy with His closest followers.
This moment reminds us that stepping back is not a failure of faith. Sometimes God calls us away from the noise and public demands so we can rest, regroup, and prepare for what comes next. In Ephraim, Jesus found the space He needed to continue His mission with clarity and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ephraim1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἐφραὶμ1×
Key Verses
-
John 11:54
Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews, but departed from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim. He stayed there with his disciples.
This verse marks the specific moment Jesus shifts from public ministry in Jerusalem to a private retreat, highlighting Ephraim as a place of strategic withdrawal.