עֵיפָה (e.phah)
e.phah
Ephah
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 Ephah appears in Genesis as one of the five sons born to Midian and his wife Reumah, placing him among the ancestors of Midianite tribes. The sources indicate the name means "gloomy," a meaning that stands out because it is unusual for personal names in this genealogical context.
Later biblical records show the name reappearing in the tribe of Judah. In 1 Chronicles, Ephah is listed as a concubine of Caleb, mother to Haran, Moza, and Gazez. Another entry identifies Ephah as a son of Caleb and Jahdai, brother to Regem and Jotham. These references suggest the name persisted within Judahite families long after the patriarchal era.
The word also appears in Isaiah alongside Sheba and Midian, likely referring to a place or region associated with trade routes rather than a person. This usage connects the name to broader economic and geographical networks of the ancient Near East.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ephah appears in Scripture as both a person and a place, linking family history with global trade. In Genesis and Chronicles, it marks descendants of Midian and Judah, showing how God’s plan weaves through many tribes and generations. These records remind us that every name in the Bible has a story, and God remembers even those listed in genealogies.
In Isaiah 60:6, Ephah joins Midian as a source of camels bringing gold and frankincense to Jerusalem. This image points to a time when nations will flow to God’s light, offering their best in worship. It suggests that our heritage, whether personal or cultural, can become part of something greater when offered to the Lord.
For your faith, this word invites you to see your own story as part of God’s larger narrative. Just as Ephah’s name survived in records and trade routes, your life has meaning beyond today. You are remembered by name, and your gifts can one day contribute to a future where all nations praise the Lord together.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Ephah3×
- [were] Ephah1×
- Ephah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֵיפָ֤ה2×
- וְ/עֵיפָה֙1×
- וְ/עֵיפָ֥ה1×
- וְ/עֵיפָ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 25:4
The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
This verse establishes Ephah as a son of Midian, grounding the name in the patriarchal genealogies of Keturah’s descendants.
-
Isaiah 60:6
A multitude of camels will cover you, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah. All from Sheba will come. They will bring gold and frankincense, and will proclaim the praises of Yahweh.
Here Ephah is paired with Midian as a source of camels and tribute, symbolizing future nations bringing wealth to Zion in worship.
-
I Chronicles 2:46
Ephah, Caleb’s concubine, bore Haran, Moza, and Gazez; and Haran became the father of Gazez.
This entry identifies Ephah as Caleb’s concubine, showing the name’s presence in Judahite family lines long after the Exodus.