אֶפְלָל
𐤀𐤐𐤋𐤋
Efelal
H654 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Ephlal — a proper masculine name referring to an Israelite individual, specifically a descendant of Zerah of the tribe of Judah in post-exilic genealogies. The name is likely derived from the root meaning 'to judge' or 'to intercede,' but as a proper name, its precise significance is uncertain and may reflect a wish for divine justice or intervention.
Semantic Range
personal name (Ephlal, a genealogical ancestor); (by derivation) related to judging, interceding, or intervention
Root / Etymology
From the root פלל (palal) meaning 'to judge, intercede, mediate.' The form is a proper noun, possibly a diminutive or expressive construction, but the exact morphological formation is uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
אֶפְלָל (Ephlal) appears only in genealogical lists (e.g., 1 Chronicles 2:37-38), referring to a post-exilic Judahite ancestor. As with many genealogical names, the meaning is likely more symbolic than descriptive, perhaps invoking God’s role as judge or advocate, or reflecting a hope for divine intercession. The context places the bearer of the name within the tribe of Judah among returnees from the exile; no narrative or character is attached to the name. English translations simply transliterate the name without rendering a meaning, because the semantic force is obscure. Unlike more common names with theological elements (like Daniel, 'God is my judge'), the form Ephlal is less transparent and does not recur in other Hebrew names. No evidence links it to later Judean or Jewish identity beyond its genealogical utility.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from פָּלַל; judge; Ephlal, an Israelite; Ephlal.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
פלל (p-l-l) — to judge, to intercede, to mediate
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H6414 | פָּלִיל | by arbiters |
| H6415 | פְּלִילָה | judicial proceeding |
| H6416 | פְּלִילִי | judicial |
| H6417 | פְּלִילִיָּה | judicial proceeding |
| H6419 | פָּלַל | in his interceding |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H654-01 |
אֶפְלָ֔ל | efelal | HNp |
Ephlal | Interceder | 1 |
H654-02 |
וְ/אֶפְלָ֖ל | veefelal | HC/Np |
and Ephlal | Ephlal | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H654-01 |
1 Chronicles 2:37 | אֶפְלָ֔ל | efelal | HNp |
Ephlal | Interceder |
H654-02 |
1 Chronicles 2:37 | וְ/אֶפְלָ֖ל | veefelal | HC/Np |
and Ephlal | Ephlal |