Japho
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Introduction:
Japho, also known as Joppa, is an ancient port city mentioned in the Bible. It holds historical and theological significance within the biblical narrative, serving as a backdrop for various events and figures. Japho is located on the Mediterranean coast, in the territory traditionally associated with the tribe of Dan.

Biblical References:
Japho is first mentioned in the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribe of Dan. In Joshua 19:46, the Berean Standard Bible states: "Me-jarkon and Rakkon, with the territory across from Japho." This reference situates Japho within the inheritance of Dan, highlighting its geographical importance.

The city is also noted in the account of Jonah. In Jonah 1:3 , it is written: "But Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship bound for Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went aboard to sail for Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD." Here, Japho serves as the port from which Jonah attempts to escape God's command, illustrating its role as a significant maritime hub.

In the New Testament, Japho is mentioned in the account of Peter's vision and the subsequent conversion of Cornelius. Acts 9:36-43 describes the events surrounding Peter's stay in Joppa, where he raises Tabitha (also known as Dorcas) from the dead. This miracle leads to many believing in the Lord. Acts 10:5-6 further recounts the angel's instruction to Cornelius: "Now send men to Joppa to call for a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea." This passage underscores Japho's role as a pivotal location in the early Christian mission.

Historical and Theological Significance:
Japho's strategic location as a port city made it a vital point of trade and travel in the ancient world. Its mention in the context of Jonah's flight and Peter's ministry highlights its accessibility and importance in biblical narratives.

Theologically, Japho represents a place of divine intervention and revelation. Jonah's attempt to flee from God's presence from Japho underscores the futility of escaping divine will, while Peter's vision and the subsequent conversion of Cornelius in Joppa mark a significant moment in the expansion of the early Church to include Gentiles. These events reflect God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

Archaeological Insights:
Modern-day Jaffa, the site of ancient Japho, has yielded numerous archaeological findings that provide insight into its historical context. Excavations have uncovered remains from various periods, including Canaanite, Egyptian, and Israelite layers, attesting to its long-standing significance as a cultural and commercial center.

Conclusion:
Japho, or Joppa, is a city rich in biblical history and theological meaning. Its role as a port city facilitated key events in the biblical narrative, serving as a backdrop for accounts of obedience, divine intervention, and the spread of the Gospel.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Japho

fairness; comeliness

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Japho

(beauty). (John 19:46) The Hebrew form for the better-known JOPPA, OR JAPHO. (2 Chronicles 2:16; Ezra 3:7; Jonah 1:3) In its modern garb it is Yafa .

ATS Bible Dictionary
Japho

See JOPPA.

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Beauty, a sea-port in Dan (Joshua 19:46); called Joppa (q.v.) in 2 Chronicles 2:16; Ezra 3:7; Jonah 1:3; and in New Testament.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
JAPHO

ja'-fo: the King James Version and the American Revised Version margin in Joshua 19:46 for JOPPA (which see).

Greek
2445. Ioppe -- Joppa, a city of Pal.
... NASB Word Usage Joppa (10). Joppa. Of Hebrew origin (Yapho); Joppe (ie Japho), a
place in Palestine -- Joppa. see HEBREW Yapho. (ioppe) -- 4 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2445.htm - 6k
Strong's Hebrew
3305. Yapho -- a seaport city of Pal.
... NASB Word Usage Joppa (4). Japha, Joppa. Or Yaphow (Ezra 3:7) {yaw-fo'}; from yaphah;
beautiful; Japho, a place in Palestine -- Japha, Joppa. see HEBREW yaphah. ...
/hebrew/3305.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Japho (1 Occurrence)
...JAPHO. ja'-fo: the King James Version and the American Revised Version margin
in Joshua 19:46 for JOPPA (which see). ...Japho (1 Occurrence). ...
/j/japho.htm - 7k

Joppa (14 Occurrences)
... Beauty, a town in the portion of Dan (Joshua 19:46; AV, "Japho"), on a sandy promontory
between Caesarea and Gaza, and at a distance of 30 miles north-west ...
/j/joppa.htm - 17k

Japhlet's (1 Occurrence)

/j/japhlet's.htm - 6k

Mejarkon (1 Occurrence)
... found. Multi-Version Concordance Mejarkon (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:46 And
Mejarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho. (KJV). ...
/m/mejarkon.htm - 7k

Jar (45 Occurrences)

/j/jar.htm - 21k

Over-against (156 Occurrences)
... gone down to Arabah; (YLT). Joshua 19:46 and Me-Jarkon, and Rakkon, with
the border over-against Japho. (YLT). Joshua 22:11 And the ...
/o/over-against.htm - 38k

Resources
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Concordance
Japho (1 Occurrence)

Joshua 19:46
And Mejarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho.
(KJV DBY WBS YLT)

Subtopics

Japho

Japho: A City of the Tribe of Dan

Related Terms

Joppa (14 Occurrences)

Japhlet's (1 Occurrence)

Mejarkon (1 Occurrence)

Jar (45 Occurrences)

Over-against (156 Occurrences)

Japhlet's
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