זִיפָה (zi.phah)
zi.phah
Ziphah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Ziphah (זִיפָה) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in 1 Chronicles 4:16 as a son of Jehallelel and a member of the tribe of Judah. It is listed among his brothers, including Ziph, Tiria, and Asarel, within a genealogy that traces the descendants of Judah during the period of the Divided Monarchy.
Linguistically, the name is interpreted to mean "battlement" or "fortress." This etymology suggests a connection to strength or defense, fitting for a figure situated in the lineage of Judah, the tribe from which kings and military leaders would eventually arise. The brevity of its biblical presence highlights the meticulous nature of these records, preserving even minor familial connections.
While Ziphah himself is not an active character in the narrative history, his inclusion underscores the importance of tribal identity and heritage in ancient Israelite society. The name serves as a linguistic marker within the larger tapestry of Judah’s ancestry, linking individuals to their communal roots without further elaboration in the text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ziphah appears in a single verse within the Hebrew Bible, recorded as one of the sons of Jehallelel in the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:16). Its meaning, often translated as "battlement" or "fortress," suggests a foundation of strength and protection. While this figure does not play an active role in the narrative history of Israel, his inclusion in the genealogy highlights the value placed on tribal identity and heritage.
For your faith today, this brief mention reminds us that every name in Scripture has purpose. Just as Ziphah is preserved in the record, you are known and remembered by God. The meticulous care taken to list these descendants shows that no one is overlooked in God’s plan. Your place in the family of believers is secure, anchored in the same steadfast love that preserves even the smallest details of history.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Ziphah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/זִיפָ֔ה1×