The BibleGospel Companion

Ephraim

אֶפְרַ֫יִם · eph.ra.yim · H0669LἘφραίμ · Ephraim · G2187“fruitful; increasing” Hitchcock's 18692 mentions in 2 books, most in 2 Samuel (1)

Where it is

Baal-hazorBaal-hazorAiAiOphniOphniAmmahAmmahBaal-shalishahBaal-shalishahRamahRamahEphraimabout 29 km across

31.95° N, 35.30° E · Located through Ophrah

Coordinates and map: OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding · CC BY 4.0 · drawn without map tiles

Mentioned most in

2 Samuel · 1John · 1
Counted from 2 references · STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0

About this place

Ephraim is mentioned in Jhn.11.54 as the place where Jesus withdrew with His disciples after the raising of Lazarus. This event had intensified the opposition of the Jewish religious leaders, who were plotting to kill Jesus (Jhn.11.45-53).

The city of Ephraim was located near the wilderness, likely referring to the Judean wilderness east of Jerusalem. By withdrawing to this area, Jesus sought to avoid confrontation with His enemies until the appointed time for His passion and death.

The exact location of Ephraim is uncertain, but it may be the same as the city of Ephron mentioned in 2Ch.13.19, which was situated in the hill country of Judah, near Bethel.

Article: STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0

Every mention

2 references, counted from STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0 · verse text: World English Bible (public domain)

2 Samuel 1 mention

2 Samuel 13:23After two full years, Absalom had sheep shearers in Baal Hazor, which is beside Ephraim; and Absalom invited all the king’s sons.

John 1 mention

John 11:54Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews, but departed from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim. He stayed there with his disciples.

What the dictionary says

Double fruitfulness (“for God had made him fruitful in the land of his affliction”).

Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
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Sources