Who was Ziph in the Bible?

Ziph was a man from the tribe of Judah, listed as one of the sons of Jehallelel in a genealogical record (1 Chronicles 4:16). He is primarily known only through this brief mention in the Bible's family lists.

What is the significance of Ziph in the Bible?

Ziph's significance is primarily genealogical, as his inclusion helps trace the lineage of the tribe of Judah. This tribe was important as it was the tribe from which King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ descended (Matthew 1:1-6).

Are there any key events in the life of Ziph?

No key events in Ziph's personal life are recorded in Scripture. The Bible only documents his name and familial relationship, indicating his role was to establish a historical and ancestral connection within Judah's genealogy.

Ziph

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Ziph, a descendant of Judah, was one of the sons of Jehallelel (1Ch.4.16).

Ziph

Biography

Ziph was a son of Jehallelel, listed among the descendants of Judah in the tribal genealogies of 1 Chronicles 4:16. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles 4 extend the lineage of Judah through various branches, and Jehallelel's sons, Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel, represent one of the numerous sub-clans within the largest of Israel's tribes. While Ziph shares his name with two towns in the region of Judah (one in the lowland, one in the hill country), his connection to those place-names, if any, is not made explicit in the text. His inclusion in the Chronicles genealogies, though without biographical elaboration, establishes him as a recognized member of the covenant community of Judah whose lineage was preserved for the post-exilic community.

Significance

The genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 4 serve as a theological charter for the tribe of Judah, demonstrating the breadth and continuity of the covenant people even amid the disruptions of conquest, monarchy, and exile. Ziph's place in this lineage, however brief, affirms his participation in the promises given to Judah, promises that included preeminence among the tribes and the ultimate emergence of the scepter-bearer who would come from Judah (Genesis 49:10). The Chronicler's inclusion of lesser-known names like Ziph reflects the conviction that the entire tribe, not merely its famous members, participated in God's covenantal purposes for Israel.

Authority Records

Wikidata

SiblingZiphah

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 4:16

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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