תִּפְסַח (tiph.sach)
tiph.sach
Tiphsah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Tiphshah, meaning "crossing" or "to cross over," identifies a significant location on the Euphrates River. In the account of Solomon’s reign, it marks the northeastern boundary of his empire (1 Kings 5:4). This usage highlights its role as a strategic transit point and a natural limit for trade and political control.
Centuries later, the city appears in a far more violent context during the ministry of King Menahem. The biblical record states that he attacked Tiphshah, ripping open all the pregnant women within it (2 Kings 15:16). This stark description underscores the brutality of the era and the city’s continued importance as a fortified target in northern Israel.
As a proper noun, the word does not function as a verb in these texts but retains its geographical identity. The sources confirm its dual significance: first as a marker of imperial extent under Solomon, and later as a site of horrific conflict during the divided monarchy period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Tiphsah points to a place on the Euphrates River that served as a boundary for Solomon’s peaceful kingdom. It represents a moment when Israel’s influence reached its furthest extent, marking a time of stability and clear borders under God’s anointed king.
Centuries later, the same location appears in a dark chapter during the reign of Menahem. The violence described there reflects the chaos of a divided nation, showing how quickly peace can turn to brutality when leaders abandon fear of the Lord.
This word reminds us that human empires rise and fall. While political borders shift and cities face destruction, God’s sovereignty remains constant. We find our security not in territorial limits, but in His enduring promises.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Tiphsah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִּפְסַ֨ח1×
Key Verses
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II Kings 15:16
Then Menahem attacked Tiphsah and all who were in it and its border areas, from Tirzah. He attacked it because they didn’t open their gates to him, and he ripped up all their women who were with child.
This verse highlights Tiphsah as a fortified target that resisted King Menahem, illustrating the city's strategic military importance during a time of national instability.