Tarpelites
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Tarpelites in the Bible?
The Tarpelites are a group mentioned in Ezra 4:9, with various theories proposed to identify them, including the Tuplai tribe on the coast of Pontus and tablet-writers from Assyrian inscriptions.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying the Tarpelites helps clarify the ethnic composition of the Persian Empire's administrative apparatus and the specific geopolitical tensions described in the biblical narrative of the Judean restoration.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Tarpelites reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Tarpelites in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Tarpelites clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Ezra 4:9
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
"Tarpelites." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/tarpelites/