צוֹפַח (tso.phach)
tso.phach
Zophah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Tsofah appears only twice in Scripture, both times within the genealogical records of the tribe of Asher in 1 Chronicles. It identifies a specific ancestor who lived during the era of the Divided Monarchy. The text lists him as the son of Hotham and brother to Imna, Shelesh, and Amal.
His significance lies primarily in his role as a patriarch. He is recorded as the father of ten sons, including Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, and Imrah, among others. This extensive listing highlights the growth and continuity of the Asherite lineage during this historical period.
Lexical sources suggest the name means "a cruse" or small jar, though its exact etymological roots are not fully detailed in the provided data. As a proper noun, it serves as a marker of identity within the tribal structure rather than carrying a distinct theological message. Its brevity in the biblical record underscores the focus on lineage and heritage in these chapters.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Names like Zophah often slip by quickly in Scripture, yet they anchor our faith in tangible history. This individual appears in the genealogy of Asher, marking a specific link in the chain of Israel’s tribal heritage. His inclusion reminds us that God’s promises are carried forward through real families and generations, not just abstract ideas.
Being listed as the father of ten sons highlights the value of continuity and legacy within the community of faith. While his personal story is brief, his role as a patriarch underscores how ordinary lives contribute to the broader narrative of God’s people. We are part of a long line of believers who have trusted in His covenant promises.
Today, this word invites us to consider our own place in God’s unfolding plan. Just as Zophah’s lineage was preserved and recorded, our faith is held securely within the historical reality of Scripture. It encourages a sense of belonging and purpose, knowing that every generation plays a part in the story of redemption.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zophah2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צוֹפָ֑ח1×
- צוֹפַ֥ח1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 7:35
The sons of Helem his brother: Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal.
This verse identifies Zophah as a son of Helem, establishing his direct lineage within the tribe of Asher.
-
I Chronicles 7:36
The sons of Zophah: Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah,
Here Zophah is listed as the father of ten sons, demonstrating the growth and continuity of his family line.