צְפוֹ, צְפִי (tse.pho)
tse.pho
Zepho
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Tsepho (or Tsephi) identifies a specific figure in the genealogies of Esau, appearing only three times in Scripture across Genesis and I Chronicles. He is recorded as the son of Eliphaz and the grandson of Esau, placing him among the early chiefs of the Edomites.
Linguistically, the name likely derives from a root meaning "to gaze" or "watch," suggesting a translation such as "watch-tower." This etymology aligns with other names in his family line that reflect observation or vigilance. As one of Esau’s descendants, Tsepho serves primarily as a link in the historical record of Edom’s tribal structure rather than as an active participant in narrative events.
His brief mention underscores the biblical emphasis on preserving lineage and tribal identity. By listing him alongside brothers like Teman and Amalek, the text confirms his status within the ruling class of Edom during the patriarchal period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zepho appears in the genealogies of Esau, marking a specific link in the historical record of Edom’s tribal structure. It is listed among the sons of Eliphaz, highlighting the biblical emphasis on preserving lineage and identity during the patriarchal period.
While Zepho does not play an active role in narrative events, his inclusion reminds us that God keeps detailed records of families and generations. This attention to detail shows that every person matters in God’s plan, even those mentioned only briefly in Scripture.
For your faith, this word encourages trust in God’s faithful preservation of history. It invites you to see yourself as part of a larger story where every name has value and purpose in the unfolding of His purposes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zepho2×
- Zephi1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צְפִ֣י1×
- צְפ֥וֹ1×
- צְפ֖וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 36:11
The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz.
This verse lists Zepho as one of Eliphaz’s sons, establishing his place within the family structure of Esau’s descendants.
-
Genesis 36:15
These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz,
Here Zepho is identified as a chief among Esau’s firstborn line, confirming his status in the ruling class of Edom.
-
I Chronicles 1:36
The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, Omar, Zephi, Gatam, Kenaz, Timna, and Amalek.
This parallel account reinforces Zepho’s role in the genealogical record, showing consistency in how Edom’s lineage was preserved across different biblical books.