Lexical Definition
עֵפֶר ʻÊpher (ay'-fer) Epher N:N-M-P
probably a variation of עֹפֶר; gazelle
Epher.
- § Epher = "a calf"
- Epher, the name of an Arabian and of two Israelites
1) the 2nd son of Midian
2) a son of Ezra, among the descendants of Judah
3) one of the heads of the families of Manasseh on the east of the Jordan
Extended Information
- A man of the Midianites living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.4
- son of: Midian (מִדְיָן)
- brother of: Ephah (עֵיפָה), Hanoch (חֲנוֹךְ), Abida (אֲבִידָע) and Eldaah (אֶלְדָּעָה)
Brown-Driver-Briggs
עֵ֫פֶר proper name, masculine Αφερ, etc.; —
1. 'son' of Midian Gen 25:4; 1Chr 1:33 (ᵐ5L Γοφερ).
2. in Judah 1Chr 4:17 (Α Γαφερ).
3. in Manasseh 1Chr 5:24.
עַפְרָה see ׳בֵּית לְע p.112 above
Brown-Driver-Briggs References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| Genesis | 25:4 |
| 1 Chronicles | 1:33 · 4:17 · 5:24 |
Profile
Male • Son of Midian • Son of Midian and grandson of Abraham.
Man living at the time of the Patriarchs
Epher was one of the sons of Midian, who was a son of Abraham through Keturah (Gen.25.4; 1Ch.1.33).
- A man of the Midianites living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.4;
- only referred to as Epher עֵפֶר;
- son of Midian מִדְיָן;
- a brother of Ephah עֵיפָה, Hanoch חֲנוֹךְ, Abida אֲבִידָע and Eldaah אֶלְדָּעָה.
Epher is mentioned in the genealogy of Abraham as one of the sons of Midian, who was born to Abraham through his wife Keturah (Gen.25.4; 1Ch.1.33). Epher is listed among the descendants of Abraham, highlighting the diverse lineage that emerged from the patriarch. The sons of Midian, including Epher, are mentioned after Abraham had sent them away to the east with gifts, separating them from his son Isaac (Gen.25.6). This suggests that Epher and his brothers settled in the region east of Canaan. The genealogy in Chronicles repeats the information from Genesis, confirming Epher's place in the family line (1Ch.1.33). No further details are provided about Epher's life, his specific role, or the people group that may have descended from him. His mention in the genealogies serves to demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations and to provide a record of the various branches of Abraham's descendants.
All entries for Epher: עֵפֶר