עֵ֫פֶר (e.pher)
e.pher
Epher
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 Hebrew noun epher appears only four times in Scripture, serving as a proper name for three distinct individuals rather than describing a common object or concept. In Genesis 25:4, it identifies the second son of Midian and brother to figures like Ephah and Hanoch, placing him within the genealogical records of the patriarchal era.
Later references locate men with this name in the tribal lists of Judah and Manasseh during the period of the divided monarchy. First Chronicles 4:17 mentions Epher as a son of Ezrah within the lineage of Judah, while 1 Chronicles 5:24 records another Epher as a family leader among the tribes settled east of the Jordan.
Lexical sources note that the name likely means "a calf," though the text itself does not elaborate on this etymology. The word functions strictly as a personal identifier in these brief genealogical entries, marking individuals who appear in the historical records without further narrative detail or theological commentary attached to their names.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Names in Scripture often feel like distant footnotes, yet they anchor our faith in real history. Epher appears in genealogies to show that God remembers every individual within His covenant people. These records are not empty lists but proof of a faithful God who keeps track of His children across generations.
When you read about Epher, you see that your own life has eternal significance. Just as these men were recorded for future generations, your steps are known and valued by the Lord. This word reminds us that no one is forgotten in the grand story of redemption.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Epher4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וָ/עֵ֙פֶר֙2×
- וְ/עֵ֣פֶר1×
- וְ/עֵ֡פֶר1×
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 places Epher in the lineage of Keturah, showing how God's promises extend through diverse family lines beyond the primary covenant line.
-
I Chronicles 4:17
The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon; and Mered’s wife bore Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.
Here Epher is listed among the sons of Ezrah, highlighting the preservation of Judah’s tribal identity during the post-exilic restoration.
-
I Chronicles 5:24
These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel—mighty men of valor, famous men, heads of their fathers’ houses.
This entry identifies Epher as a leader of valor among the tribes east of the Jordan, demonstrating that faithfulness was recognized across all regions of Israel.