סִפַּי
Sippai, a Philistine
Definition
Sippai is the name of a Philistine warrior, specifically one of the descendants of the Rephaim (giants) who was killed by Sibbecai the Hushathite in a battle recorded in 1 Chronicles 20:4. As a proper noun, it refers solely to this individual character within the biblical narrative. The name itself appears to be descriptive, likely derived from a word meaning 'basin-like' or 'threshold,' possibly alluding to a physical characteristic or a symbolic role. There are no other major senses or meanings for this term, as it is used exclusively as a personal name for this Philistine opponent of Israel.
Biblical Usage
The word סִפַּי (Çippay) is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 20:4. It is used strictly as a proper noun identifying a specific Philistine warrior, one of the 'descendants of the giants,' who was slain by David's mighty man, Sibbecai. This places its usage entirely within the context of military conflict narratives detailing David's wars against the Philistines, as recorded in the historical books.
Etymology
The name סִפַּי (Çippay) is derived from the Hebrew root סַף (saph, H5592), which means 'basin,' 'bowl,' or 'threshold.' It is a nominal form suggesting something 'basin-like.' This connection is noted in Strong's Concordance. The name may be linguistically related to סַף (saph, H5593), which refers to a 'threshold' or 'door-sill.' The derivation implies the name was likely descriptive, perhaps referring to a physical trait, a familial occupation, or a symbolic association with a threshold or vessel.
Semantic Range
While the name Sippai itself is not theologically loaded, its appearance is significant within the broader theme of God fulfilling his promise of the land to Israel by delivering powerful enemies into their hands. The defeat of giants like Sippai (a descendant of the Rephaim) by David's men (1 Chronicles 20:4) demonstrates God's empowerment of his chosen king and army, showcasing divine support in establishing the Davidic kingdom against formidable, mythologized opponents. It reinforces the narrative that Israel's victories came from the Lord.
In its original context, סִפַּי identifies a Philistine warrior from the lineage of the Rephaim, a group often described as giants or mighty men of old (cf. Deuteronomy 2:11, 20). In ancient Near Eastern culture, defeating such renowned warriors brought great honor and was a testament to a kingdom's military prowess. The recording of Sippai's name and defeat served to glorify King David's reign and his mighty men, a common practice in ancient royal annals and war records to establish the king's legitimacy and power.
Saph (סַף, H5593) — A related term meaning 'threshold,' sharing the same root and likely etymological connection to the descriptive name Sippai.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →