יָפִיעַ (ya.phi.a)
ya.phi.a
Japhia
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Japhia, derived from the Hebrew root meaning "to shine," appears in Scripture as both a personal name and a place name. Its most prominent occurrence is in Joshua 10:3, where it identifies the king of Lachish who formed an alliance against Gibeon during the conquest of Canaan. This usage highlights the political tensions of the period, as local rulers united to resist Israel’s advance.
Later, the name resurfaces in 2 Samuel 5:15 and 1 Chronicles 3:5 as Japhia, a son of King David by his concubine. While he does not play an active role in the narrative, his inclusion in the royal genealogy confirms his status within the Davidic line. The name may also refer to a town on the border of Zebulun and Issachar, though this identification is less certain.
The consistent meaning of "shining" across these contexts suggests a name chosen for its positive connotations, possibly reflecting hope or divine favor. Whether applied to a king opposing Israel or a prince within David’s household, Japhia serves as a reminder of the complex human figures involved in biblical history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In the story of Israel’s conquest, a king named Japhia appears among those who gathered against God’s people. His name comes from a root that means 'to shine.' That a man with such a name chose to fight Israel is a quiet reminder that a good heritage does not always lead to a good choice. Scripture does not airbrush its characters. It records them as they were: sometimes glowing with promise, sometimes falling far short.
A second Japhia, a son of David, is listed among the king’s children but does nothing else in the Bible. His name sits quietly in the royal record, part of the family tree that leads to Christ. God values each life woven into His purpose, seen or unseen.
So your own days, whether they feel like a headline or a footnote, are known. The One who calls you by name, like Japhia, sees a brightness He placed there. No forgotten name stays hidden from Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Japhia3×
- Japhia2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/יָפִֽיעַ\׃3×
- יָפִֽיעַ\׃1×
- יָפִ֧יעַ1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 10:3
Therefore Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon, saying,
King Japhia of Lachish joins a coalition against Gibeon, showing that even a name meaning 'shine' can be held by someone opposing God’s purposes.
-
Joshua 19:12
It turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrise to the border of Chisloth Tabor. It went out to Daberath, and went up to Japhia.
A town called Japhia marks the border of Zebulun, suggesting the name was also associated with a place of light or prominence in the land.
-
II Samuel 5:15
Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia,
Japhia appears as a son of David, a quiet figure in the king’s large household, yet his inclusion ties him to the Davidic line.
-
I Chronicles 3:7
Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia,
The name reappears in the post-exilic genealogy, reminding readers that every link in the royal family tree is preserved in God’s record.