תַּפֻּחַ (ta.phuch)
ta.phuch
Tappuah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Tappuah, derived from the Hebrew root for fruit or apple, appears in Scripture as both a person and a place. In 1 Chronicles 2:43, it identifies a man named Tappuah, son of Hebron and brother to Rekem and Shema, who belonged to the Calebite clan within the tribe of Judah.
The same name also designates a town located in the lowland of Judah, situated on the border between the territories of Ephraim and Manasseh. This geographic detail highlights how names often carried symbolic weight, with "Tappuah" likely evoking the image of a fruitful or pleasant settlement.
Though brief, these references anchor the word in the historical landscape of ancient Israel, linking family lineage to specific locations. The dual usage underscores the biblical practice of naming places after people and vice versa, preserving memory through language.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Tappuah connects to the idea of fruitfulness, appearing in Scripture as both a person and a place. In Chronicles, it marks a member of Caleb’s family, showing how individual names were part of a larger story of lineage and promise. This reminds us that our own lives are woven into a much bigger picture than we can see.
As a town on the border between Ephraim and Manasseh, Tappuah also represents a shared space. The land belonged to one tribe, but the town itself sat on the edge of another’s territory. This detail highlights how God’s people often lived side by side, sharing borders and resources.
When we read these brief mentions, we see that ordinary places and names carry weight. They anchor history in real geography, reminding us that faith is lived out in specific communities and locations. May you find encouragement in knowing that your own story is part of God’s ongoing work.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Tappuah3×
- and/ Tappuah2×
- from/ Tappuah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַּפּ֙וּחַ֙1×
- תַּפּ֖וּחַ1×
- תַּפּ֑וּחַ1×
- מִ/תַּפּ֜וּחַ1×
- וְ/תַפֻּ֖חַ1×
- וְ/תַפּ֛וּחַ1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 16:8
From Tappuah the border went along westward to the brook of Kanah; and ended at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim according to their families;
This verse shows Tappuah as a boundary marker for Ephraim, illustrating how place names defined tribal inheritance and identity.
-
Joshua 17:8
The land of Tappuah belonged to Manasseh; but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim.
Here the text clarifies that while the land belonged to Manasseh, the town of Tappuah was held by Ephraim, highlighting complex territorial arrangements.
-
I Chronicles 2:43
The sons of Hebron: Korah, Tappuah, Rekem, and Shema.
This occurrence identifies Tappuah as a son of Hebron, linking the name to the Calebite clan and preserving family lineage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Tappuah mean?
Is Tappuah a person or a place?
Why is Tappuah mentioned in the book of Joshua?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)
Joshua 4 verses
the king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one;
Joshua 15:34Zanoah, En Gannim, Tappuah, Enam,
Joshua 16:8From Tappuah the border went along westward to the brook of Kanah; and ended at the sea. This is the inheritance of the…
Joshua 17:8The land of Tappuah belonged to Manasseh; but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim.