Jephunneh, Asherite of the Divided Monarchy
Who was Jephunneh, Asherite of the Divided Monarchy, in the Bible?
An Asherite descendant of Jether identified within the genealogical records of the era of the conquest and the judges.
This is one of 2 people named Jephunneh in the Bible. See all 2 →
Jephunneh was a member of the Tribe of Asher, appearing in the post-exilic genealogical records of 1 Chronicles. He is identified as one of the three sons of Jether, belonging to a lineage noted for its military strength and leadership within the tribe. His inclusion in these records serves to preserve the identity of the northern tribes during the era of the conquest and the judges.
While his individual actions are not recorded in the biblical narrative, his placement within the genealogy of Asher highlights his status as a head of a household or a man of valor. He is listed alongside his brothers, Pispa and Ara, as part of the surviving record of the northern tribal structures.
Background and Family
Jephunneh is situated within the complex genealogical frameworks of the Book of Chronicles, specifically 1 Chronicles 7:38. He is the son of Jether (alternatively identified as Ithran in some textual traditions of the same chapter), a descendant of Asher. Jephunneh is listed as the first of three brothers, followed by Pispa and Ara.
Major Life Events
The biblical text provides no specific biographical events for Jephunneh. His primary significance in the scriptural record is his existence as a named individual in the ancestral lines of Israel. The genealogy in which he appears focuses on the "sons of Asher" who were "heads of their father’s houses, choice men, mighty men of valor, chief of the princes" (1 Chronicles 7:40). Although this description is collective, it implies that Jephunneh belonged to a class of influential warriors or leaders within his tribe.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Jephunneh is defined entirely by his familial ties. He is the son of Jether and the brother of Pispa and Ara. Through his father, he is a direct descendant of the patriarch Asher, the son of Jacob and Zilpah.
Spiritual Significance
The presence of Jephunneh in the biblical text, despite the brevity of his mention, underscores the importance of the individual within the covenant community. In the context of 1 Chronicles, these genealogies served to provide the returning exiles with a sense of identity and belonging. Jephunneh stands as a representative of the northern tribes.
Jephunneh's inclusion in the Chronicler’s genealogy emphasizes the preservation of tribal identity during the era of the conquest and the judges. As a descendant of Asher, he represents the northern tribes' continued presence in the sacred record, affirming that every family line within Israel held a place in the national history.
Theologically, his name—which can be translated as 'he will be beheld' or 'he will be prepared'—alongside his brothers, contributes to the biblical theme of the 'remnant.' Even when specific deeds are not recorded, the mention of his name ensures that his branch of the family tree is acknowledged by God and the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jephunneh's father?
Jephunneh was the son of Jether, a member of the Tribe of Asher.
Which tribe did Jephunneh belong to?
He belonged to the Tribe of Asher, one of the northern tribes of Israel.
What does the name Jephunneh mean?
The name is generally understood to mean 'he will be beheld' or 'he will be prepared.'
Who were Jephunneh's siblings?
According to 1 Chronicles 7:38, his brothers were Pispa and Ara.
Family & Relationships
Parents
Ithran, Asherite of the Divided MonarchyFather1 Chronicles 7:37Inferred
No verse names Ithran and Jephunneh together; the son link is carried from the surrounding genealogy and is not stated in Scripture.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 7:37
Connected Figures
Family
Father · 1 Chronicles 7:37
Ithran was a prominent member of the tribe of Asher and the son of Zophah.
Conquest and JudgesFirst: 1 Chronicles 7:373 versesMighty Man of ValorAsher
Brother · 1 Chronicles 7:38
Ara was a descendant of the tribe of Asher mentioned in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles during the era of the conquest and the judges.
Conquest and JudgesFirst: 1 Chronicles 7:382 versesMighty man of valorAsher
Brother · 1 Chronicles 7:38
An Asherite of the era of the conquest and the judges, named in the tribal genealogies of 1 Chronicles as a son of Jether.
Conquest and JudgesFirst: 1 Chronicles 7:382 versesWarriorAsher
Mentions by Book
- 1 Chronicles2
Scripture References
All 2 indexed verses, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
1 Chronicles · 2
- 1 Chronicles 7:37Partial
Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 7:38
The sons of Jether: Jephunneh, Pispa, and Ara.
Others Named Jephunneh
Compare all 2 bearers →Jephunneh, Father of CalebNumbers 13:6
A Kenizzite man during the Egyptian sojourn and wilderness period, primarily known as the father of the faithful spy Caleb.