דִּיפַת (di.phat)
di.phat
Riphath
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 Diphat identifies a specific individual in the biblical genealogies: the second son of Gomer and grandson of Japheth. He appears in two brief mentions within Scripture, serving as a link in the chain of descendants recorded in Genesis 10 and 1 Chronicles 1.
His name is paired with his brothers Ashkenaz and Togarmah, groups traditionally associated with ancient northern peoples. While the exact geographical locations of these families remain debated among historians, Diphat’s inclusion highlights the extensive scope of the Table of Nations, tracing the origins of various ethnic groups back to Noah’s family.
The sources note a variant spelling, Riphath, which appears in parallel passages. This minor orthographic difference reflects common variations in Hebrew transcription rather than a change in identity. Diphat stands as a historical marker in these lists, preserving the memory of ancestral lines without further biographical detail.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Diphat appears in two brief genealogical lists, marking him as a son of Gomer and grandson of Japheth. While the text offers no personal stories or deeds for this individual, his inclusion serves a vital purpose: it preserves the memory of ancestral lines that trace back to Noah’s family. In an ancient world where lineage defined identity and inheritance, these names were not mere footnotes but essential links in a historical chain.
For modern readers, Diphat reminds us that God’s plan encompasses all peoples and nations. The Table of Nations in Genesis 10 and its parallel in 1 Chronicles 1 shows that every ethnic group has a recorded place in Scripture. This inclusion affirms the dignity of every family line, suggesting that no one is outside the scope of God’s creative order. Even those whose names appear only once are part of a larger, divine narrative.
When we encounter such sparse records, we are invited to trust in the care of the One who preserves history. These lists assure us that God remembers His people and their descendants. The preservation of names like Diphat reflects a faithful record-keeping that honors the past while pointing toward the future hope shared by all believers.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Riphath1×
- and/ Diphath1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/רִיפַ֖ת1×
- וְ/דִיפַ֖ת1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 10:3
The sons of Gomer were: Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah.
This verse lists Riphath among Gomer’s sons, establishing his place in the primary genealogical account of the nations.
-
I Chronicles 1:6
The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Diphath, and Togarmah.
The parallel record uses the spelling Diphath, confirming the consistency of this lineage across different biblical books.