רְפִידִים (re.phi.dim)
re.phi.dim
Rephidim
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun rephiḏîm refers to a specific station where the Israelites camped during their journey from Egypt to Mount Sinai. The name itself means "rests" or "stays," reflecting its function as a place of temporary lodging in the wilderness. This location appears primarily in the books of Exodus and Numbers, marking a key stop on the people’s long trek through the desert.
As a proper noun for a place, rephiḏîm is not used metaphorically but denotes a concrete geographical spot. Its inclusion in the itinerary highlights the rhythm of travel and rest that characterized the Exodus narrative. The word reminds readers that the journey was not a single leap to the Promised Land, but a series of stops, each with its own challenges and divine provisions.
The occurrence of rephiḏîm in five verses underscores its significance as a landmark in the biblical account. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in providing for His people even in remote and harsh environments. The name itself, meaning "rests," captures the temporary nature of their stay and the anticipation of what lay ahead.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Rephidim marks a specific stop on the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to Mount Sinai. The name means rests or stays, highlighting the rhythm of travel and temporary lodging in the wilderness. This place was not just a geographical marker but a moment where the people faced real needs, such as the lack of water mentioned in Exodus 17:1.
For your faith, this reminds us that God’s provision often comes during periods of waiting or transition. The journey to spiritual maturity is rarely a single leap; it involves many stops, each with its own challenges. Even in remote or harsh environments, the narrative shows God’s faithfulness in meeting His people where they are.
Understanding Rephidim helps us see our own seasons of rest and struggle as part of a larger story. It invites trust that every stop, whether marked by thirst or battle, is under God’s care. The anticipation of what lies ahead—like the arrival at Sinai—is met with divine presence in the present moment.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- at/ Rephidim3×
- from/ Rephidim2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מֵ/רְפִידִ֗ים1×
- מֵ/רְפִידִ֑ם1×
- בִּ/רְפִידִֽם\׃1×
- בִּ/רְפִידִ֔ם1×
- בִּ/רְפִידִ֔ים1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 17:1
All the congregation of the children of Israel traveled from the wilderness of Sin, starting according to Yahweh’s commandment, and encamped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink.
This verse establishes Rephidim as a place of immediate need, where the absence of water tests the people's trust after leaving Sin.
-
Exodus 17:8
Then Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
Here, Rephidim becomes the site of conflict with Amalek, showing that spiritual battles often arise during times of rest or transition.
-
Numbers 33:14
They traveled from Alush, and encamped in Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink.
The itinerary record confirms the harsh conditions at this stop, reinforcing the reality of the wilderness journey's difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Rephidim mean?
Where is Rephidim located in the Bible?
Why is Rephidim significant?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)
Exodus 3 verses
All the congregation of the children of Israel traveled from the wilderness of Sin, starting according to Yahweh’s…
Exodus 17:8Then Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
Exodus 19:2When they had departed from Rephidim, and had come to the wilderness of Sinai, they encamped in the wilderness; and…