יַפְלֵט (yaph.let)
yaph.let
Japhlet
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name yaphlet refers to a specific ancestor in the tribe of Asher, appearing in genealogical records such as Joshua 16:2 and 1 Chronicles 7:34–35. He is identified as the son of Heber and the brother of Shomer, Hotham, and Shua. His own sons are listed as Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath, establishing his place in the lineage that traces back to Beriah, a son of Asher.
Etymologically, the name means "he will deliver" or "he rescues." This meaning connects him to a similar figure named Japhletith in Joshua 19:24, where the form is slightly different but likely refers to the same individual or family line. The presence of this name in Asherite genealogies highlights how personal names often carried theological weight, expressing hope for divine intervention even within tribal records.
Although yaphlet appears only twice in Scripture, his inclusion in these lists serves a structural purpose: it preserves the identity of the tribe of Asher during the pre-monarchic period. The variation between "Japhlet" and "Japhletite" reflects different grammatical uses—one referring to the person, the other to his clan or territory—demonstrating how Hebrew names functioned as markers of both individual identity and collective heritage.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Yaphlet carries a quiet but powerful meaning: "he will deliver." Found in the genealogies of Asher, this name reminds us that God’s saving work is woven into the very fabric of family history. Even in lists of names that might seem dry or distant, there is a thread of hope pointing to divine rescue.
When we read these records, we see that every person matters to God. Their identities were preserved not just for historical accuracy, but to show us that God keeps His promises across generations. The deliverance hinted at in Yaphlet’s name finds its full meaning in Christ, who rescues us completely.
This connection invites us to trust that God is active in our own lineages and stories. Just as He preserved these ancient names, He knows and values each of us. We can rest in the assurance that the God who delivers is faithful to His people through all time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Japhlet3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יַפְלֵ֔ט2×
- יַפְלֵֽט\׃1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 7:32
Heber became the father of Japhlet, Shomer, Hotham, and Shua their sister.
This verse establishes Japhlet as part of Heber’s family, showing how individual names anchor broader tribal histories.
-
I Chronicles 7:33
The sons of Japhlet: Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath. These are the children of Japhlet.
Here the focus shifts to Japhlet’s sons, illustrating how the name signifies a continuing line of descendants rather than just one person.