Haphraim
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Topical Encyclopedia
Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Haphraim" is derived from the Hebrew root "חָפַר" (chaphar), which means "to dig" or "to search." The name can be interpreted as "two pits" or "double pit," suggesting a location characterized by its geographical features or perhaps its agricultural significance.

Biblical References:
Haphraim is mentioned in the Old Testament in the context of the territorial allotments of the tribes of Israel. Specifically, it appears in the Book of Joshua:

· Joshua 19:19 : "Haphraim, Shion, Anaharath,"

This verse is part of the description of the inheritance of the tribe of Issachar. Haphraim is listed among the towns within the boundaries of Issachar's territory.

Geographical Context:
Haphraim is located in the region assigned to the tribe of Issachar, which is situated in the northern part of the land of Canaan. The exact location of Haphraim is not definitively known today, and it is not prominently featured in other historical or archaeological records. However, its inclusion in the list of towns suggests it was a recognized settlement during the time of the Israelite conquest and settlement of Canaan.

Historical and Cultural Significance:
As a town within the territory of Issachar, Haphraim would have been part of the agricultural heartland of ancient Israel. The tribe of Issachar was known for its agricultural productivity, and towns like Haphraim would have contributed to the sustenance and economic stability of the tribe. The name itself, suggesting "two pits," may indicate the presence of wells or cisterns, which were vital for water supply in the agrarian society of ancient Israel.

Theological Insights:
The mention of Haphraim, like many other towns in the tribal allotments, underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The detailed listing of towns and boundaries in the Book of Joshua serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God in providing a homeland for His people. Each town, including Haphraim, represents a piece of the larger narrative of God's covenant relationship with Israel.

Modern Relevance:
While Haphraim itself may not hold significant prominence in contemporary discussions, its mention in Scripture is a reminder of the historical and spiritual journey of the people of Israel. For believers today, the study of such towns can enrich understanding of biblical history and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the ages.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Haphraim

(two pits), a city of Issachar, mentioned next to Shunem. (Joshua 19:19) About 6 miles northeast of Lejjun , and two miles west of Solam (the ancient Shunem), stands the village of el? Afuleh , which may possibly be the representative of Haphraim.

Strong's Hebrew
2663. Chapharayim -- a place in Issachar
... 2662, 2663. Chapharayim. 2663a . a place in Issachar. Transliteration: Chapharayim
Phonetic Spelling: (khaf-aw-rah'-yim) Short Definition: Haphraim. Haphraim ...
/hebrew/2663.htm - 5k
Thesaurus
Haphraim (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Haphraim (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:19
And Haphraim, and Shihon, and Anaharath, (KJV YLT). ...
/h/haphraim.htm - 6k

Shihon (1 Occurrence)
... SHIHON. shi'-hon (shi'on). See SHION. Multi-Version Concordance Shihon (1 Occurrence).
Joshua 19:19 And Haphraim, and Shihon, and Anaharath, (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/s/shihon.htm - 6k

Hapharaim (1 Occurrence)
... haf-a'-ra'-im (chapharayim; the King James Version Haphraim, haf-ra'im, possibly
"place of a moat"): A town in the territory of Issachar, named with Shunem and ...
/h/hapharaim.htm - 7k

Haph'ara-im (1 Occurrence)
Haph'ara-im. Hapharaim, Haph'ara-im. Haphraim . ... Joshua 19:19 and Hapharaim,
and Shion, and Anaharath; (See RSV). Hapharaim, Haph'ara-im. Haphraim . ...
/h/haph'ara-im.htm - 6k

Hapless (3 Occurrences)

/h/hapless.htm - 7k

Resources
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Concordance
Haphraim (1 Occurrence)

Joshua 19:19
And Haphraim, and Shihon, and Anaharath,
(KJV YLT)

Subtopics

Haphraim

Haphraim: A City of the Tribe of Issachar

Related Terms

Shihon (1 Occurrence)

Hapharaim (1 Occurrence)

Haph'ara-im (1 Occurrence)

Hapless (3 Occurrences)

Haph'ara-im
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