אֲפֵקָה (a.phe.qah)
a.phe.qah
Aphekah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun Aphekah identifies a specific city located in the hill country of Judah, situated near Hebron. Listed among the towns allotted to the tribe of Judah in Joshua 15:53, it appears only once in the Hebrew Bible. The name itself likely carries the meaning "enclosure," suggesting a fortified or walled settlement within the region.
Lexical sources note that Aphekah is closely related to, and possibly identical with, another place called Aphek (H0663). While other biblical cities named Aphek are associated with battles in the northern territories, this particular entry serves primarily as a geographical marker in the southern inheritance. Its single occurrence anchors it firmly within the detailed land distribution narratives of Joshua.
Translators typically retain the transliterated form "Aphekah" to preserve its identity as a distinct location. The word does not carry theological metaphor but functions as a concrete reference point, helping readers visualize the extent of Judah’s territory and the specific towns granted to its families.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Aphekah is a small town in the hill country of Judah, near Hebron. Its name likely means 'enclosure,' pointing to a walled settlement. This single mention in Joshua 15:53 shows how carefully God mapped out the land for His people.
While it may seem like just a dot on an ancient map, Aphekah reminds us that God cares about specific places and families. The detailed list of towns highlights His faithfulness in keeping His promises to Judah. It is a quiet witness to how He provides for His people in their daily lives.
When we read these lists, we see a God who knows every corner of the earth. This knowledge brings comfort, knowing that our own lives are held securely in His hands. We can trust Him with our present circumstances and future hopes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Aphekah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/אֲפֵֽקָה\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 15:53
Janim, Beth Tappuah, Aphekah,
This verse lists Aphekah among the towns allotted to Judah, confirming its role as a specific geographical marker in the southern inheritance.