נֶ֫פֶג (ne.pheg)
ne.pheg
Nepheg
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Nepheg, meaning "sprout" or "shoot," appears in Scripture for two distinct individuals within the lineage of Levi. In Exodus 6:21, it identifies a Levite who is the son of Izhar and grandson of Kohath. This placement situates him among the ancestors of the priestly line during the time of the Exodus, linking him to notable figures like Korah and Zichri.
Centuries later, the name resurfaces in Second Samuel 5:15 as one of the sons born to King David in Jerusalem. This second Nepheg is part of the royal family, standing alongside brothers such as Absalom and Solomon. The recurrence of this brief, botanical-sounding name across different generations highlights its presence in both sacred and royal histories without implying a direct familial link between the two bearers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Nepheg carries the simple, quiet meaning of a sprout or shoot. In the Bible, it appears in two very different settings: among the Levites serving in the tabernacle and among the sons born to King David in Jerusalem. This duality reminds us that God’s work is not limited to one sphere of life. Whether in the sacred duties of the priesthood or the daily reality of a royal household, new life emerges from established roots.
For your own faith, this word offers a gentle encouragement. Just as a sprout begins small and hidden within the earth, spiritual growth often starts in unnoticed moments. You do not need to be loud or prominent for God to use you. Your presence in His family, much like Nepheg’s place in these ancient lineages, matters deeply. God values every generation and every individual who contributes to the continuing story of His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Nepheg4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/נֶ֖פֶג2×
- וָ/נֶ֖פֶג1×
- וְ/נֶ֥פֶג1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 6:21
The sons of Izhar: Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri.
This verse places Nepheg in the priestly lineage of Kohath, showing that even lesser-known family members were essential to the structure of Israel's worship.
-
II Samuel 5:15
Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia,
Here Nepheg is listed among David’s sons born in Jerusalem, illustrating how God’s covenant promises extended into the royal household and future generations.