נֹ֫פַח (no.phach)
no.phach
Nophah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun nophach appears only once in the Bible, in Numbers 21:30. It functions as a place name, specifically identifying a location in Moab that was conquered by Israel. The term is essentially synonymous with Kenath (H7079), serving as an alternative designation for the same settlement during this military campaign.
Its meaning derives from the root naphach, which signifies "to blow" or "blast." This etymology suggests a vivid connection to wind or breath, perhaps describing a place known for its gusty conditions or symbolizing the powerful force of divine judgment sweeping through the land. The name itself likely reflects this imagery of a sudden, blowing force.
Translators typically render nophach simply as "Nophah," preserving it as a proper noun rather than translating the descriptive element. This choice highlights its role as a specific geographical marker in the narrative of Israel’s journey through the Transjordan. The word anchors the historical account in a tangible location, reminding readers that these events took place in real places with names that carried meaning for the ancient audience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Nophah appears in a single verse within the Old Testament, marking a specific location conquered during Israel’s journey through the Transjordan. Its root meaning relates to blowing or blasting, evoking imagery of wind or force. While we do not have extensive historical records about this particular site, its inclusion in Scripture reminds us that God’s actions unfold in real, tangible places.
For your faith life, this word highlights how the divine narrative is anchored in history. It shows that spiritual victories are not abstract concepts but events that happen in specific times and locations. The mention of Nophah alongside other cities illustrates the completeness of Israel’s campaign under God’s direction.
When you read these accounts, consider the reliability of the biblical record. Every name mentioned serves as a witness to what has occurred. This particular place, though small in our modern memory, played a role in the larger story of God’s people moving toward their promises. It invites us to trust that God is present in every detail of our own journeys.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Nophah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נֹ֔פַח1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 21:30
We have shot at them. Heshbon has perished even to Dibon. We have laid waste even to Nophah, Which reaches to Medeba.”
This verse lists Nophah as a conquered site, demonstrating the extent of Israel's military success and the fulfillment of God's command to defeat the Moabite strongholds.