Saph
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Saph in the Bible?
Saph was a Philistine champion from the lineage of the Rapha, slain by Sibbecai the Hushathite, one of King David's mighty men, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 20:4.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Saph clarifies the historical context of David's military campaigns against the Philistines and distinguishes this account from the narrative of Goliath, aiding in the accurate interpretation of biblical genealogies and heroic traditions.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Saph reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Saph in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Saph clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
1 Chronicles 20:4
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
"Saph." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/saph/