Original Word: יִפְתַּח־אֵל
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: Yiphtach-'el
Pronunciation: yif-takh-ale
Phonetic Spelling: (yif-tach-ale')
KJV: Jiphthah-el
NASB: Iphtahel
Word Origin: [from H6605 (פָּתַח - To open) and H410 (אֵל - God)]

1. God will open
2. Jiphtach-el, a place in Israel

Jiphthah-el

From pathach and 'el; God will open; Jiphtach-el, a place in Palestine -- Jiphthah-el.

see HEBREW pathach

see HEBREW 'el

Word Origin
from pathach and el
Definition
"God opens," a valley between Zebulun and Asher
NASB Translation
Iphtahel (2).

יִפְתַּחאֵֿל proper name, of a location (God openeth; compare Sabean proper name, masculineיפתחאל Hal^{148, l}); — in ׳גֵּייִפ (Γαφαηλ, Γαι και Φθαιηλ A ᵐ5^L Γαι (Ι)εφθαηλ), valley between Zebulun and Asher Joshua 19:14,27 (P); probably near Jêfât (Jotapata), and perhaps upper part of Wady `Abellîn, see Buhl^{Geogr.109, 223}.

Biblical Setting

יִפְתַּח־אֵל (Yiphtach-El, “He Opens—God”) appears twice in Scripture, both times in the allotment records of Joshua. First it marks the northern limit of Zebulun’s inheritance (Joshua 19:14). Shortly afterward it reappears on the eastern reach of Asher’s border, where the line “ran out to Zebulun and to the Valley of Iphtah El” (Joshua 19:27). The double citation underlines its role as a shared landmark between the two tribes, defining territory without dispute.

Geographical Location

The “Valley of Iphtah El” lies in Lower Galilee, generally identified with the basin stretching north-south between modern Kafr Manda and Yodfat (ancient Jotapata), about 13 km north of Nazareth. The valley drains westward toward the Kishon watershed, forming a natural corridor between the hill country and the coastal plain. Fertile soil, perennial springs, and surrounding limestone ridges made it both cultivable and defensible—a desirable frontier for neighboring tribes.

Historical Context

1. Tribal Allocation: By Joshua’s era the promise of land given to the patriarchs crystallized into measured boundaries. Iphtah El acted as a physical witness that every tribe received its portion “by lot before the LORD at Shiloh” (Joshua 18:10).
2. Inter-tribal Relations: Zebulun and Asher controlled complementary resources—maritime outlets for Asher, trade routes for Zebulun. The shared valley fostered cooperation yet preserved identity, illustrating how divine order promotes unity without erasing distinction.
3. Later History: Although not mentioned after Joshua, the region remained populated through the monarchy. Jotapata, near the valley’s southern rim, resisted Rome during the First Jewish Revolt (A.D. 67), showing the site's continuing strategic value.

Theological Themes

1. God Opens Boundaries: The name itself (“He Opens—God”) echoes Genesis 26:22, where Isaac declares, “Now the LORD has made room for us.” Israel’s settlement is portrayed not as human conquest alone but as divine opening of space and opportunity.
2. Covenant Faithfulness: Precise boundary lists, including obscure locales like Iphtah El, testify that the covenant God is concerned with details. Every clan could stand on its soil assured that the promise to Abraham had reached them personally.
3. Stewardship and Rest: Possession carried responsibility. The valley’s fertility offered rest from wilderness wandering and a platform for obedience—“that you may live long in the land” (Deuteronomy 5:33).

Lessons for Today

• God’s faithfulness extends to the “small places” of life. Even an otherwise unnoted valley receives mention because it served His larger redemptive plan.
• Boundaries, properly honored, protect unity. Clear demarcation prevented strife between Zebulun and Asher; likewise, defined roles and callings guard the body of Christ from envy and disorder.
• The Lord still “opens” doors and territories for ministry (2 Corinthians 2:12). Dependence on His timing and placement brings fruitfulness without striving.

Cross References

Numbers 34:13; Joshua 14:1-5; Psalm 16:6; Acts 17:26. Each passage underscores divine sovereignty in allotting places to His people.

Summary

Iphtah El is more than an ancient valley; it is a reminder that God both opens and defines spaces for His people, equips them to flourish within those spaces, and weaves even modest geographical markers into the tapestry of His unfolding covenant purposes.

אֵ֥ל אֵֽל׃ אל אל׃ ’êl ElInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts