Original Word: נֶפֶג
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Nepheg
Pronunciation: NEH-feg
Phonetic Spelling: (neh'-feg)
KJV: Nepheg
NASB: Nepheg
Word Origin: [from an unused root probably meaning to spring forth]

1. a sprout
2. Nepheg, the name of two Israelites

Nepheg

From an unused root probably meaning to spring forth; a sprout; Nepheg, the name of two Israelites -- Nepheg.

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
two Isr.
NASB Translation
Nepheg (4).

נֶ֫פֶג proper name, masculine

1 a Levite Exodus 6:21 (P), ᵐ5 Ναφεκ, F Ναφεγ.

2 a son of David 2 Samuel 5:15 (ᵐ5 id., ᵐ5^L Ναφεθ), 1 Chronicles 3:7 (ᵐ5 Ναφαθ, A Ναφεγ, ᵐ5^L Νεεγ), 1 Chronicles 14:6 (ᵐ5 id., א Ναφατ, A Ναφαγ, ᵐ5^L Ναφεκ).

I, II. נָפָה see I, II. נוף.

נְפוּסִים, נפושׁסים see נפיסים below

Overview

Nepheg (Strong’s Hebrew 5298, נֶפֶג) appears four times in the Old Testament, designating two distinct individuals. One belongs to the tribe of Levi (Exodus 6:21) and the other to the royal house of David (2 Samuel 5:15; 1 Chronicles 3:7; 1 Chronicles 14:6). Though the Bible provides no narrative episodes about either man, their placement within pivotal genealogies underscores themes of covenant continuity, divine promise, and personal accountability inside the larger redemptive story.

Occurrences in Scripture

• Exodus 6:21 – “The sons of Izhar were Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri.”
• 2 Samuel 5:15 – “Nepheg, Japhia.” (within the list of David’s Jerusalem-born sons)
• 1 Chronicles 3:7 – “Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet were nine, together with Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, and Japhia.”
• 1 Chronicles 14:6 – “Nepheg, Japhia.”

Genealogical Context

1. Nepheg son of Izhar
• Lineage: Levi → Kohath → Izhar → Nepheg.
• Relationship: First cousin to Moses and Aaron.
• Significance: Appears alongside Korah, whose later rebellion (Numbers 16) illustrates the danger of misusing priestly privilege. Nepheg’s unobtrusive presence, by contrast, reflects thousands of otherwise unnamed Levites who served quietly and faithfully.

2. Nepheg son of David
• Birthplace: Jerusalem after the conquest of Zion.
• Place in Royal Line: One of the early sons born in David’s fortified capital, testifying to God’s promise of a continuing dynasty (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Although the chroniclers trace Messianic lineage through Solomon, the inclusion of lesser-known princes like Nepheg confirms every branch of David’s house mattered in God’s covenant economy.

Historical Significance

Levitical Order – Exodus 6 situates Nepheg in the generation that would experience the Exodus. Genealogies preserved priestly succession; each name validated the legitimacy of tabernacle service and the later divisions of Korahites, Hebronites, and others (1 Chronicles 6:1-48). Even if history records no acts by Nepheg, the listing shows a complete family register when Israel’s sacred duties were being formalized.

Monarchic Transition – The second Nepheg is born during the transition from tribal confederation to centralized monarchy. His name stands as a marker that David’s household quickly expanded, anchoring Jerusalem as both political and spiritual hub. The chronicler’s duplication of Samuel’s list highlights God’s faithfulness across centuries of kingdom history.

Theological Themes

Continuity of Covenant – Whether in Levi or Judah, Nepheg’s presence in Scripture affirms that God works through families and generations, weaving individual lives into a unified plan of redemption.

Contrast of Obedience and Rebellion – The Levite Nepheg’s brother Korah became infamous for challenging Moses. While Scripture is silent about Nepheg’s choices, the juxtaposition invites reflection on personal responsibility. Within the same household one brother rejected God-ordained leadership; another left no record of rebellion, reminding believers that each generation must decide for itself whom it will serve.

Promise and Potential – The Davidic Nepheg was born under the fresh glow of divine covenant with David. Although history provides no exploits, he embodies the potential embedded in every child of promise. His life, known only to God, contributes to the cumulative testimony that “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29)

Ministry Implications

• Value of the Unseen – Churches today often spotlight visible leaders, yet Scripture preserves names like Nepheg to honor quiet faithfulness. Ministry leaders should celebrate every member whose steady obedience supports the work of God.

• Importance of Accurate Records – Genealogies demonstrate that God cares about details. Maintaining careful membership rolls, discipleship pathways, and pastoral care records reflects the same concern for order evident in biblical lineage lists.

• Legacy Building – Parents and mentors influence future generations in ways that may never become public history. Investing in children’s spiritual formation, as David surely did in his royal household, perpetuates covenant blessings.

Devotional Reflection

Though Scripture says little about Nepheg beyond his place in two family trees, his inclusion reminds believers that no life is insignificant in God’s sight. Whether serving in the background like a faithful Levite or growing up in the palace of a king, each person’s account is woven into the grand narrative culminating in Jesus Christ—the greater Son of David and the perfect High Priest. Knowing this, Christians can labor with confidence that their names, too, are recorded in the Lamb’s book of life, and their quiet acts of obedience will echo in eternity.

וְנֶ֖פֶג וְנֶ֥פֶג וָנֶ֖פֶג ונפג vaNefeg veNefeg wā·ne·p̄eḡ wānep̄eḡ wə·ne·p̄eḡ wənep̄eḡInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts