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Chephirah

Locations
Modern Location Khirbet el-Qefira
Coordinates 31.8667, 35.1500

Geographical Setting

Chephirah was a Canaanite city-state located in the hill country of Benjamin, identified with the modern archaeological site of Khirbet el-Qefira.

What is the meaning of Chephirah in the Bible?

Chephirah was an ancient settlement inhabited by the Hivites, closely associated with the confederation of Gibeon, Hebron, and Kirjath-jearim, and subsequently allocated to the tribal territory of Benjamin.

SIGNIFICANCE

The mention of Chephirah in the Book of Joshua provides specific geographical context for the treaty narrative, helping readers visualize the political landscape and territorial divisions of the early Israelite settlement period.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Chephirah (located near modern Khirbet el-Qefira) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Chephirah in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Chephirah clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Chephirah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/chephirah/
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