Ephraim (1)
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Ephraim (1) in the Bible?
Ephraim was the younger son of Joseph and Asenath, whose lineage formed the basis of the Tribe of Ephraim, a dominant group within the northern kingdom of Israel. This tribe produced key historical figures such as Joshua, Samuel, and Jeroboam I, and its territory served as the political heartland of the northern realm.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Ephraim clarifies the tribal dynamics of ancient Israel, particularly the shift of leadership from Judah to the northern tribes and the subsequent political divisions that defined the biblical narrative of the monarchy.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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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.