Jephun'neh is a biblical figure known primarily as the father of Caleb, one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. Jephun'neh is mentioned in several passages within the Old Testament, and his lineage is significant in the context of Israel's history and the inheritance of the Promised Land.

Lineage and Tribal Affiliation

Jephun'neh is identified as a Kenizzite, which is noteworthy because the Kenizzites were not originally part of the Israelite tribes. This detail is found in the genealogical records, where Caleb is often referred to as "Caleb son of Jephun'neh the Kenizzite" (Numbers 32:12). Despite this non-Israelite origin, Jephun'neh's family was fully integrated into the tribe of Judah, as Caleb is consistently associated with Judah throughout the biblical narrative.

Role in the Exodus and Wilderness Wanderings

Jephun'neh's most prominent mention in the Bible is through his son Caleb, who, along with Joshua, was one of the two spies who brought back a positive report about the land of Canaan. In Numbers 13:6, Caleb is listed as a representative of the tribe of Judah, and his faithfulness is highlighted in Numbers 14:24: "But because My servant Caleb has a different spirit and has followed Me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he has entered, and his descendants will inherit it" . This promise underscores the faith and obedience of Caleb, which reflects positively on his father, Jephun'neh.

Inheritance in the Promised Land

The legacy of Jephun'neh is further cemented through the inheritance granted to Caleb. In Joshua 14:6-14, Caleb approaches Joshua at Gilgal to claim the land promised to him by Moses. Caleb recounts the faithfulness of his report and the promise made by God, saying, "Now behold, the LORD has kept me alive these forty-five years as He promised, since the LORD spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old" (Joshua 14:10). Caleb's request is granted, and he receives Hebron as his inheritance, a testament to the enduring faith of both Caleb and his father, Jephun'neh.

Significance in Biblical History

Jephun'neh's significance in biblical history is primarily through his son Caleb, whose faith and courage serve as an example to the Israelites. The integration of Jephun'neh's family into the tribe of Judah and the subsequent inheritance of Hebron highlight the inclusivity of God's promises to those who are faithful, regardless of their origins. Jephun'neh's legacy is thus preserved through the faithfulness and leadership of Caleb, who stands as a model of trust in God's promises and commands.Jephun'neh (16 Occurrences)

Numbers 13:6
Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
(See RSV)

Numbers 14:6
And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were of them that spied out the land, rent their clothes.
(See RSV)

Numbers 14:30
surely ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I lifted up My hand that I would make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.
(See RSV)

Numbers 14:38
But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, remained alive of those men that went to spy out the land.
(See RSV)

Numbers 26:65
For the LORD had said of them: 'They shall surely die in the wilderness.' And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.
(See RSV)

Numbers 32:12
save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, and Joshua the son of Nun; because they have wholly followed the LORD.
(See RSV)

Numbers 34:19
And these are the names of the men: of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
(See RSV)

Deuteronomy 1:36
save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, he shall see it; and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children; because he hath wholly followed the LORD.'
(See RSV)

Joshua 14:6
Then the children of Judah drew nigh unto Joshua in Gilgal; and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said unto him: 'Thou knowest the thing that the LORD spoke unto Moses the man of God concerning me and concerning thee in Kadesh-barnea.
(See RSV)

Joshua 14:13
And Joshua blessed him; and he gave Hebron unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance.
(See RSV)

Joshua 14:14
Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, unto this day; because that he wholly followed the LORD, the God of Israel.
(See RSV)

Joshua 15:13
And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a portion among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, even Kiriath-arba, which Arba was the father of Anak--the same is Hebron.
(See RSV)

Joshua 21:12
But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, gave they to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for his possession.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 4:15
And the sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam; and the sons of Elah: Kenaz.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 6:56
but the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 7:38
And the sons of Jether: Jephunneh, and Pispa, and Ara.
(See RSV)

Jephun'neh (16 Occurrences)
Jephun'neh. Jephunneh, Jephun'neh. Jerah . Multi-Version Concordance
Jephun'neh (16 Occurrences). Numbers 13:6 Of the tribe of Judah ...
/j/jephun'neh.htm - 10k

Jephunneh (16 Occurrences)

/j/jephunneh.htm - 12k

Jerah (2 Occurrences)

/j/jerah.htm - 7k

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