Sepharad
LocationsGeographical Setting
A biblical toponym mentioned in Obadiah 1:20, traditionally identified with Spain but geographically ambiguous in the ancient Near Eastern context.
What is the meaning of Sepharad in the Bible?
The biblical term Sepharad appears in Obadiah 1:20 as a destination for exiles from Jerusalem, though its exact ancient geographic location remains a subject of scholarly debate with multiple competing hypotheses.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the ambiguity surrounding Sepharad's identity helps readers appreciate the complexity of prophetic literature regarding the dispersion of Israel, while also clarifying the historical etymology that later linked the name to the Jewish communities of the Iberian Peninsula.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Sepharad in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sepharad 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.