The term "E'phraimite" refers to a member of the tribe of Ephraim, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Ephraim holds significant prominence in the biblical narrative, both in terms of its ancestral lineage and its role in the history of Israel.

Ancestral Background

Ephraim was the younger son of Joseph, the son of Jacob (Israel), and Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On (Genesis 41:50-52). Despite being the younger son, Ephraim received a special blessing from his grandfather Jacob, who placed him before his older brother Manasseh. This act of blessing is recorded in Genesis 48:14-20, where Jacob crossed his hands to place his right hand on Ephraim's head, signifying greater prominence: "But Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on Ephraim’s head, though he was the younger, and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh’s head, although Manasseh was the firstborn" (Genesis 48:14).

Territorial Inheritance

The tribe of Ephraim was allotted a central portion of the Promised Land, as detailed in the Book of Joshua. This territory included significant cities such as Shiloh, which became an important religious center where the Tabernacle was set up (Joshua 18:1). The land of Ephraim was fertile and strategically located, contributing to the tribe's influence and prosperity.

Role in Israel's History

Ephraim played a crucial role in the history of Israel, often being a leading tribe among the northern tribes. The tribe's prominence is highlighted during the period of the Judges and the United Monarchy. Notably, Joshua, the successor of Moses and a key figure in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, was an Ephraimite (Numbers 13:8).

During the time of the Judges, the tribe of Ephraim was involved in several significant events. For instance, in Judges 8:1-3, the Ephraimites confronted Gideon for not calling them to fight against the Midianites earlier, demonstrating their desire for recognition and involvement in military victories.

The division of the United Monarchy after the reign of Solomon saw the northern kingdom of Israel often referred to as "Ephraim" due to the tribe's dominance. This is evident in prophetic literature, where Ephraim is frequently used as a synonym for the northern kingdom (e.g., Hosea 4:17, Isaiah 7:2).

Cultural and Religious Significance

Ephraim's central location and religious sites, such as Shiloh, contributed to its cultural and religious significance. The tribe's association with key biblical figures and events underscores its importance in the spiritual and national identity of Israel.

Prophetic References

The prophets often addressed Ephraim in their messages, highlighting both the tribe's sins and its potential for redemption. Hosea, in particular, speaks extensively about Ephraim's waywardness and God's call for repentance: "Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone!" (Hosea 4:17). Despite the tribe's failings, the prophetic literature also holds out hope for restoration and blessing.

In summary, the Ephraimites, as descendants of Joseph's son Ephraim, played a pivotal role in the history and spiritual life of Israel. Their legacy is marked by both their leadership and their challenges, as reflected in the biblical narrative.E'phraimite (3 Occurrences)

Judges 12:5
And the Gileadites took the fords of the Jordan against the E'phraimites. And when any of the fugitives of E'phraim said, "Let me go over," the men of Gilead said to him, "Are you an E'phraimite?" When he said, "No,"
(Root in DBY RSV)

1 Samuel 1:1
Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite:
(See RSV)

1 Kings 11:26
Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephraimite of Zeredah, a servant of Solomon, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow, he also lifted up his hand against the king.
(See RSV)

E'phraimite (3 Occurrences)
E'phraimite. Ephraimite, E'phraimite. Ephraimites . Multi-Version Concordance
E'phraimite (3 Occurrences). Judges 12:5 And the Gileadites ...
/e/e'phraimite.htm - 7k

Ephraimites (7 Occurrences)

/e/ephraimites.htm - 8k

Ephraimite (6 Occurrences)

/e/ephraimite.htm - 8k

E'phraimites (9 Occurrences)
... And when any of the fugitives of E'phraim said, "Let me go over," the men of Gilead
said to him, "Are you an E'phraimite?" When he said, "No," (DBY RSV). ...
/e/e'phraimites.htm - 9k

E'phraim (146 Occurrences)
... And when any of the fugitives of E'phraim said, "Let me go over," the men of Gilead
said to him, "Are you an E'phraimite?" When he said, "No," (Root in DBY RSV ...
/e/e'phraim.htm - 35k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus