יְפֻנֶּה (ye.phun.neh)
ye.phun.neh
Jephunneh
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Yephunneh is a proper name found fifteen times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the books of Numbers, Joshua, and 1 Chronicles. The name itself carries the meaning "He will be facing" or "He will be opposite," a semantic detail that adds texture to his identity as a patriarch during the wilderness period.
He is best known as the father of Caleb, the spy from the tribe of Judah who remained faithful to God when the other spies returned with fear. By identifying Caleb as "the son of Jephunneh," the text links the younger man’s steadfast courage to his lineage. The name also appears in genealogical lists for a descendant of Asher, showing its use across different branches of Israelite family trees.
While not a theological term, Yephunneh’s presence anchors Caleb’s story in a specific historical and familial context. His name serves as a reminder that the heroes of faith emerged from ordinary families, with roots that stretched back through generations of Israel’s journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Yephunneh appears in Scripture primarily as the father of Caleb, a man known for his unwavering trust in God. When the other spies returned from exploring Canaan with reports of fear and doubt, Caleb stood firm. His lineage is highlighted not to glorify a family tree, but to show that faithful courage often runs deep within ordinary families. The text connects Caleb’s steadfastness directly to his identity as the son of Jephunneh, anchoring his spiritual strength in a real historical context.
This reminder offers comfort to believers today. We do not need to be famous ancestors or have perfect pedigrees to serve God faithfully. Instead, we are called to follow Yahweh wholeheartedly, just as Caleb did. Whether you come from a long line of believers or are starting fresh in your faith journey, your relationship with God is what matters most. His promise remains sure for those who trust Him completely.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jephunneh15×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְפֻנֶּ֔ה4×
- יְפֻנֶּ֖ה3×
- יְפֻנֶּה֙2×
- יְפֻנֶּֽה\׃2×
- יְפֻנֶּ֥ה1×
- יְפֻנֶּ֤ה1×
- יְפֻנֶּ֗ה1×
- יְפֻנֶּ֑ה1×
Key Verses
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Numbers 13:6
Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
This verse introduces Caleb as the son of Jephunneh, establishing his lineage at the critical moment before the spies enter Canaan.
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Numbers 14:30
surely you shall not come into the land concerning which I swore that I would make you dwell therein, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.
God specifically exempts Caleb the son of Jephunneh from the judgment that falls on the rest of the generation, highlighting his unique faithfulness.
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Joshua 14:14
Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he followed Yahweh, the God of Israel wholeheartedly.
The text reiterates Caleb’s inheritance in Hebron because he followed Yahweh wholeheartedly, linking his name to a lasting reward for loyalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Jephunneh mean?
Why is Jephunneh mentioned so often in the Bible?
Is Jephunneh a theological term or just a name?
Every Occurrence (15 verses across 4 books)
Numbers 7 verses
Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
Numbers 14:6Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were of those who spied out the land, tore their clothes.
Numbers 14:30surely you shall not come into the land concerning which I swore that I would make you dwell therein, except Caleb the…
Numbers 14:38But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh remained alive of those men who went to spy out the land.
Numbers 26:65For Yahweh had said of them, “They shall surely die in the wilderness.” There was not a man left of them, except Caleb…
Numbers 32:12except Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, and Joshua the son of Nun, because they have followed Yahweh…
Numbers 34:19These are the names of the men: Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.