Lexical Definition
נָפִישׁ Nâphîysh (naw-feesh') Naphish N:N-M-P
from נָפַשׁ; refreshed
Naphish.
- § Naphish or Nephish = "refreshment"
- Naphish, a son of Ishmael, and his posterity
1) the next to last son of Ishmael
2) an Arabian tribe
| Form | Translated As | In Verse(s) |
|---|---|---|
| נָפִ֖ישׁ | Naphish | Gen.25.15 • 1Chr.1.31 |
| וְנָפִ֖ישׁ | and Naphish | 1Chr.5.19 |
| Ναφισαίων | Nepishites | LXX.1Chr.5.19 |
| Ναφείσ | Naphish | LXX.Gen.25.15 • LXX.1Chr.1.31 |
Extended Information
- A man of the Arabs living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.15
- son of: Ishmael (יִשְׁמָעֵאל)
- brother of: Nebaioth (נְבָיוֹת), Kedar (קֵדָר), Adbeel (אַדְבְּאֵל), Mibsam (מִבְשָׂם), Mishma (מִשְׁמָע), Dumah (דּוּמָה), Massa (מַשָּׂא), Hadad (חֲדַד), Tema (תֵּימָא), Jetur (יְטוּר), Kedemah (קֵדְמָה) and Mahalath (מַחֲלַת)
Brown-Driver-Briggs
נָפִישׁ proper name, masculine son of Ishmael, according to Gen 25:15 (P), = 1Chr 1:31 (ᵐ5 Ναφες, ᵐ5L Ναφεις); = (Arab) tribe 1Chr 5:19 (ᵐ5 Ναφεισαδαιων, A ᵐ5L Ναφισαιων). נֶ֫פֶת see II. נוף.
Brown-Driver-Briggs References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| Genesis | 25:15 |
| 1 Chronicles | 1:31 · 5:19 |
Profile
Male • Son of Ishmael • Son of Ishmael, defeated by Reubenites, Gadites, and Manassites.
Arabian living at the time of the Patriarchs
Naphish, a son of Ishmael, was among the Hagrite tribes defeated by the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
- A man of the Arabs living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.15;
- only referred to as Naphish נָפִישׁ;
- son of Ishmael יִשְׁמָעֵאל;
- a brother of Nebaioth נְבָיוֹת, Kedar קֵדָר, Adbeel אַדְבְּאֵל, Mibsam מִבְשָׂם, Mishma מִשְׁמָע, Dumah דּוּמָה, Massa מַשָּׂא, Hadad חֲדַד, Tema תֵּימָא, Jetur יְטוּר, Kedemah קֵדְמָה and Mahalath מַחֲלַת.
Naphish was one of the twelve sons of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar (Genesis 25:15; 1 Chronicles 1:31). As a descendant of Ishmael, Naphish would have been a member of the Ishmaelite tribes that settled in the Arabian Peninsula.
In 1 Chronicles 5:19, Naphish is mentioned in the context of a war between the Israelite tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. These tribes were likely Ishmaelite clans living east of the Jordan River.
The Israelite tribes, trusting in God's help, went to war against these Hagrite tribes and were victorious. They captured a large number of livestock and took many people captive. The victory was attributed to God's intervention, as the Israelites had cried out to Him during the battle (1 Chronicles 5:20).
Apart from these brief mentions, little else is known about Naphish or his specific role in the events described. His inclusion in the biblical record serves to highlight the ongoing interactions and conflicts between the Israelites and the surrounding tribes, as well as to demonstrate God's faithfulness to His people when they sought His help.
All entries for Naphish: נָפִישׁ