Who was Ephah in the Bible?

Ephah was a descendant of Caleb, specifically listed as one of the sons of Jahdai in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:47). His mention serves to trace the lineage and family connections within this important Israelite tribe.

Why is Ephah mentioned in the Bible?

Ephah is mentioned to establish a precise genealogical record, showing the faithfulness of God's promises to the tribe of Judah through its descendants. His inclusion highlights the importance of family heritage and God's meticulous recording of His people's history in the Old Testament.

Are there any key events in Ephah's life?

The Bible does not record any specific events or stories about Ephah's life. His significance comes solely from his placement in the genealogy, which was crucial for establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, and the Messianic line leading to King David and ultimately Jesus.

Ephah

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Ephah was one of the sons of Jahdai, mentioned in the genealogy of Caleb (1Ch.2.47).

Ephah

Biography

Ephah was one of the sons of Jahdai, recorded within the extended genealogy of the family of Caleb in 1 Chronicles 2:47. The passage lists six sons attributed to Jahdai: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph. The precise relationship between Jahdai and Caleb is not explicitly stated in the text, Jahdai may have been a concubine's son or a secondary member of Caleb's lineage. Ephah's inclusion in this genealogical register, while brief, establishes him as a recognized member of the tribe of Judah through the Calebite branch, a family celebrated for its faithfulness and significant role in the settlement of Canaan. Beyond this single genealogical notice, no individual narrative or deeds are recorded for this Ephah in the biblical text.

Significance

Ephah son of Jahdai exemplifies the large category of biblical figures who are known only through their genealogical placement. His inclusion in the Chronicler's careful records reflects the theological conviction that every member of Israel's covenant community mattered, that belonging to the people of God was a dignity worth recording, regardless of personal prominence. The genealogies of 1 Chronicles represent a sweeping affirmation that God's covenant is worked out through real families, with real names, across real generations. Ephah's name, preserved in Scripture, stands as a testament to the biblical principle that no one in the community of faith is truly anonymous before God, even if history has left them otherwise nameless.

Authority Records

Wikidata

FatherMidianSiblingAbidaSiblingEpherSiblingEnochSiblingElda'a

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 2:47

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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