Lexical Summary ephoh: "where," "then," "now," "here" Original Word: אֵיפֹה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance what manner, where From 'ay and poh; what place?; also (of time) when?; or (of means) how?; --what manner, where. see HEBREW 'ay see HEBREW poh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ay and poh Definition where? NASB Translation what kind (1), where (9). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֵיפֹה (from אַי & מֹּה here) adverb 1. where? Genesis 37:16; 1 Samuel 19:22; 2 Samuel 9:4; Isaiah 49:21; Jeremiah 3:2; Job 4:7; Job 38:4; Ruth 2:19; in indirect sentence Jeremiah 36:19 (less common than אַיֵה, used of persons [contrast אֵיוֶֿה] and with a verb [contrast אַיֵּה]). 2 of what kind? (quails ?) only Judges 8:18. Topical Lexicon Overview of Biblical Usage The interjection אֵיפֹה appears ten times in the Old Testament as an urgent query for location or status. Whether voiced by a patriarch, a judge, a prophet, or the LORD Himself, the word always drives the narrative forward by demanding an answer and exposing what is hidden—be it people, motives, or divine purposes. Representative Occurrences • Joseph, lost yet obedient, pleads, “Please tell me where they are grazing their flocks” (Genesis 37:16). Rhetorical Function in Narrative and Poetry 1. Catalyst for Action: The word often initiates decisive events. Joseph’s question leads him to Dothan—and to Egypt (Genesis 37). Naomi’s question uncovers Boaz, setting in motion the lineage of David and ultimately Messiah (Ruth 2). Theological Themes • Divine Omniscience vs. Human Limitation: Whenever God asks “Where…?” He is not seeking information but awakening conscience (compare Genesis 3:9). His questions highlight human finitude (Job 38:4). Historical Setting The occurrences span the patriarchal period (Genesis), the era of the judges and united monarchy (Judges, Samuel), exilic poetry (Job, Isaiah), and late pre-exilic prophecy (Jeremiah). In every setting, location questions reveal shifting political and spiritual landscapes—pasturelands of Shechem, battlefield of Tabor, threshing floors of Bethlehem, royal courts of Saul and David, and the desolate heights of apostate Judah. Ministry and Pastoral Implications 1. Discipleship: Leaders emulate David’s compassionate inquiry, seeking out the overlooked and extending grace. Christological Reflections In the Gospels the incarnate Word continues the pattern: “Where have you laid him?” (John 11:34) and “Where do you want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” (Matthew 26:17). Each question prepares for revelation—resurrection life and the new covenant meal. Thus, אֵיפֹה foreshadows the Savior’s seeking voice that calls sinners by name and locates them in His redeeming purpose. Conclusion Across Scripture, the cry “Where…?” is never mere geography. It is God’s instrument for unveiling hearts, advancing redemption history, and directing His people to places of obedience, repentance, and blessing. Wherever the word appears, it invites readers to listen for the divine call, respond in faith, and find their true location—hidden with Christ in God. Forms and Transliterations אֵיפֹ֖ה אֵיפֹ֣ה אֵיפֹ֥ה אֵיפֹ֨ה אֵיפֹה֙ איפה וְ֝אֵיפֹ֗ה ואיפה ’ê·p̄ōh ’êp̄ōh eiFoh veeiFoh wə’êp̄ōh wə·’ê·p̄ōhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 37:16 HEB: נָּ֣א לִ֔י אֵיפֹ֖ה הֵ֥ם רֹעִֽים׃ NAS: tell me where they are pasturing KJV: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed INT: tell please where they are pasturing Judges 8:18 Ruth 2:19 1 Samuel 19:22 2 Samuel 9:4 Job 4:7 Job 38:4 Isaiah 49:21 Jeremiah 3:2 Jeremiah 36:19 10 Occurrences |