Zepho
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Topical Encyclopedia
Zepho is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the Old Testament. He is identified as one of the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, and is associated with the Edomite lineage. The name "Zepho" is believed to mean "watchtower" or "gaze," reflecting perhaps a characteristic or a role within his family or tribe.

Genealogy and Family Background

Zepho is listed as a son of Eliphaz, who was the firstborn son of Esau and his wife Adah. This places Zepho among the chiefs of Edom, a significant group of people who descended from Esau, also known as Edom. The genealogical records in the Bible emphasize the importance of lineage and heritage, particularly in the context of the nations surrounding Israel.

In Genesis 36:11, the Berean Standard Bible states: "The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz." This passage highlights Zepho as one of the five sons of Eliphaz, indicating his role in the expansion and establishment of the Edomite tribes.

Role and Significance

Zepho's mention in the genealogical records underscores the broader narrative of the Edomites in biblical history. The Edomites, as descendants of Esau, often had a tumultuous relationship with the Israelites, who descended from Jacob. The genealogies serve to trace the origins and development of these nations, providing context for the interactions and conflicts recorded in the biblical narrative.

In 1 Chronicles 1:36, the BSB reiterates Zepho's place in the lineage: "The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz." This repetition in the Chronicles account serves to confirm the genealogical details and the continuity of the Edomite line.

Cultural and Historical Context

The Edomites, including the descendants of Zepho, inhabited the region south of the Dead Sea, an area known for its rugged terrain and strategic location. The Edomites were known for their wisdom and skill in trade, as well as their fortified cities. The mention of Zepho and his kin in the genealogies reflects the importance of these tribes in the ancient Near Eastern context.

The biblical narrative often uses genealogies to establish the historical and theological framework for understanding the relationships between different peoples and God's unfolding plan. Zepho's inclusion in these records highlights the interconnectedness of the nations and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs.

Conclusion

While Zepho himself is not a prominent figure in terms of individual achievements or accounts, his place in the genealogical records of the Bible is significant for understanding the broader narrative of the Edomites and their interactions with the Israelites. The genealogies serve as a reminder of the complex relationships and divine purposes that weave through the history of God's people.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Zepho

Zephon, that sees and observes; that expects or covers

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Zepho

(watch-tower), son of Eliphaz, son of Esau, (Genesis 36:11) and one of the "dukes" or phylarchs of the Edomites. ver. (Genesis 36:15) In (1 Chronicles 1:36) he is called ZEPHI. (B.C. after 1760.)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ZEPHI; ZEPHO

ze'-fi, ze'-fo (tsephi, perhaps "gaze," or "gazing," in 1 Chronicles 1:36; tspho, the same meaning in Genesis 36:11, 15): A duke of Edom. Septuagint has Sophar, which Skinner (Genesis, 431) says may be the original of Job's kind friend. In Genesis 36:43 the Septuagint has Zaphoei (= tsepho, i.e. Zepho), for Iram. Skinner holds it probable that the two names, Zepho and Iram, were in the original text, thus making the number 12 (compare Lagarde, Septuagint-Stud., II, 10, 1. 178; 37, 1. 270; Nestle, Margin., 12). Lucian has Sophar, in Genesis 36:11, 15; Sepphoue, in 1 Chronicles 1:37, and Saphoin, in Genesis 36:43.

David Francis Roberts

Strong's Hebrew
6825. Tsepho -- perhaps "gazing," an Edomite
... Tsepho or Tsephi. 6826 . perhaps "gazing," an Edomite. Transliteration: Tsepho
or Tsephi Phonetic Spelling: (tsef-o') Short Definition: Zepho. ... Zephi, Zepho. ...
/hebrew/6825.htm - 6k
Library

Chapter xxxvi
... And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam and Kenaz. ... Chief Omar
Chief Zerah Chief Jalam. Chief Zepho Chief Shamrnah Chief Korah. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

Thesaurus
Zepho (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZEPHI; ZEPHO. ze ... In Genesis 36:43 the Septuagint
has Zaphoei (= tsepho, ie Zepho), for Iram. Skinner ...
/z/zepho.htm - 8k

Zephi (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZEPHI; ZEPHO. ze ... In Genesis 36:43 the Septuagint
has Zaphoei (= tsepho, ie Zepho), for Iram. Skinner ...
/z/zephi.htm - 7k

Kenaz (11 Occurrences)
... Kenaz (11 Occurrences). Genesis 36:11 The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho,
and Gatam, and Kenaz. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/k/kenaz.htm - 10k

Omar (3 Occurrences)
... Omar (3 Occurrences). Genesis 36:11 The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho,
and Gatam, and Kenaz. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/o/omar.htm - 7k

Teman (12 Occurrences)
... Teman (12 Occurrences). Genesis 36:11 The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho,
and Gatam, and Kenaz. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/t/teman.htm - 12k

El'iphaz (6 Occurrences)
... wife of Esau. (See RSV). Genesis 36:11 The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar,
Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz. (See RSV). Genesis 36:12 ...
/e/el'iphaz.htm - 7k

Eliphaz (14 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Genesis 36:11 The sons of Eliphaz
were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz. (WEB ...
/e/eliphaz.htm - 15k

Zephon (5 Occurrences)

/z/zephon.htm - 8k

Gatam (3 Occurrences)
... Gatam (3 Occurrences). Genesis 36:11 The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho,
and Gatam, and Kenaz. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/g/gatam.htm - 7k

Esau's (13 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:15 These were the chiefs among the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz,
Esau's first son: Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, (BBE NIV). ...
/e/esau's.htm - 10k

Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Zepho (3 Occurrences)

Genesis 36:11
The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 36:15
These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Chronicles 1:36
The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek.
(See NIV)

Subtopics

Zepho

Zepho: Son of Eliphaz

Related Terms

Zephi (1 Occurrence)

Kenaz (11 Occurrences)

Omar (3 Occurrences)

Teman (12 Occurrences)

El'iphaz (6 Occurrences)

Eliphaz (14 Occurrences)

Zephon (5 Occurrences)

Gatam (3 Occurrences)

Esau's (13 Occurrences)

Duke (14 Occurrences)

Dukes (14 Occurrences)

Chiefs (227 Occurrences)

First-born (110 Occurrences)

Firstborn (119 Occurrences)

Descendants (326 Occurrences)

Esau (89 Occurrences)

Zephi
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