Ephai
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Ephai in the Bible?
Ephai, a Netophathite, commanded forces remaining in Judah after the Babylonian deportation. He gathered with Gedaliah, the appointed governor, at Mizpah, where both were assassinated by Ishmael, son of Nethaniah.
SIGNIFICANCE
This account clarifies the political instability and internal factionalism that characterized the brief period of Judean autonomy following the fall of Jerusalem, illustrating the violent power struggles described in the biblical narrative.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Ephai reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ephai in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ephai 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
"Ephai." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ephai/