אֲפֵק (a.pheq)
a.pheq
Aphek
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun aphēq refers to a fortified town or enclosure, appearing nine times in the Hebrew Bible. The name itself likely derives from a root meaning "to enclose" or "fence," reflecting its function as a defensive settlement. It is most frequently associated with a specific Canaanite city located near Jezreel, which served as a strategic military outpost during the periods of Joshua and the early monarchy.
Historical records in Joshua and 1 Samuel highlight its role in major conflicts. In Joshua 12:18 and 19:30, it is listed among the cities conquered or allotted to the tribes of Israel. Later, in 1 Samuel 4:1, it becomes the site of a significant battle where the Philistines defeated the Israelites, leading to the capture of the ark of the covenant. Kings also feature this location, noting its use as a staging ground for campaigns against Aram (1 Kings 20:26).
While the word can sometimes refer to other lesser-known sites named Aphek, the textual emphasis remains on its geopolitical importance. Its repeated mention underscores the contested nature of the Jezreel Valley and the constant struggle for control over these fortified enclosures during Israel’s formative history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Aphek was more than a dot on an ancient map; it was a fortified enclosure, a place of walls and strategic weight. In the Hebrew Bible, this name appears nine times, anchoring our attention to the reality that faith does not exist in a vacuum. The Israelites faced real enemies at these gates, and their history is marked by both victory and profound loss at places like Aphek.
When we read of the battle where the Philistines encamped at Aphek (1 Samuel 4:1), we see the vulnerability of human strength. Yet later, Elisha points to Aphek as the site of God’s arrow of victory (2 Kings 13:17). This contrast invites us to look beyond our own fortifications. It reminds us that while we may build walls for security, true safety is found in trusting the God who controls the outcome of battles, both ancient and modern.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Aphek/ towards4×
- Aphek2×
- in/ Aphek1×
- at/ Aphek1×
- and/ Aphek1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲפֵ֑קָ/ה2×
- וַ/אֲפֵ֖ק1×
- בַּ/אֲפֵ֖ק1×
- בַ/אֲפֵֽק\׃1×
- אֲפֵקָ/ה֮1×
- אֲפֵק֙1×
- אֲפֵ֔קָ/ה1×
- אֲפִ֖יק1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 4:1
The word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and encamped beside Ebenezer; and the Philistines encamped in Aphek.
This verse marks a turning point where Israel’s defeat at Aphek leads to the capture of the ark, highlighting the danger of relying on religious symbols rather than God Himself.
-
I Kings 20:30
But the rest fled to Aphek, into the city; and the wall fell on twenty-seven thousand men who were left. Ben Hadad fled and came into the city, into an inner room.
Here the city’s walls become an instrument of judgment against Ben Hadad, showing that even places of refuge can turn to disaster when opposed to God’s purposes.
-
II Kings 13:17
He said, “Open the window eastward;” and he opened it. Then Elisha said, “Shoot!” and he shot. He said, “Yahweh’s arrow of victory, even the arrow of victory over Syria; for you will strike the Syrians in Aphek until you have consumed them.”
Elisha uses Aphek as the focal point for a prophetic act, declaring it the location where God’s arrow of victory would strike Syria, linking the place to divine promise.