Japhia (1)
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Japhia (1) in the Bible?
Japhia was a king of Lachish who allied with other Amorite rulers against Gibeon and was subsequently defeated by Joshua; he is also listed as one of the sons of David born in Jerusalem.
SIGNIFICANCE
Distinguishing between the Canaanite king and the Israelite royal son clarifies the narrative structure of the conquest accounts versus the genealogical records of the monarchy.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Japhia (1) reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Japhia (1) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Japhia (1) 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
"Japhia (1)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/japhia-1/