Original Word: סִפַי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Cippay
Pronunciation: SIP-pai
Phonetic Spelling: (sip-pah'-ee)
KJV: Sippai
NASB: Sippai
Word Origin: [from H5592 (סַף - Threshold)]

1. bason-like
2. Sippai, a Philistine

From caph; bason-like; Sippai, a Philistine -- Sippai. Compare Caph.

see HEBREW caph

see HEBREW Caph

Sippai (סִפַי, Strong’s H5598) is named once in the Old Testament, identified as a descendant of the giant race subdued by David’s warriors. The parallel account in 2 Samuel 21:18 calls him “Saph,” reflecting a common phenomenon of variant spellings in Samuel–Kings and Chronicles. Both records describe him as a Philistine of Rapha’s lineage, placing him among the last formidable representatives of the Rephaim who once terrified Israel (Deuteronomy 2:10-11; Joshua 15:8).

Biblical Setting

1 Chronicles 20:4 situates the event “at Gezer, when Sibbecai the Hushathite struck down Sippai, one of the descendants of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued”. The verse appears in a summary of victories won by David’s specialized corps of “mighty men” during a series of Philistine campaigns (1 Chronicles 20:4-8). Chronicles omits David’s earlier failure in the same war (2 Samuel 21:15-17), highlighting instead the triumphant outcome accomplished through faithful subordinates. By doing so, the Chronicler encourages post-exilic readers with a portrait of covenant faithfulness rewarded by decisive deliverance.

Historical Background

• Geographic context: Gezer lay on the western foothills of Judah, controlling a strategic corridor from the Philistine plain to the Judean highlands. Continuous conflict there underscores Philistine pressure on Israel’s heartland.
• Ethnic lineage: The Rephaim appear as a longstanding giant clan (Genesis 14:5; Deuteronomy 3:11). Though largely driven out by Israel under Joshua, isolated survivors reinforced Philistine ranks during David’s reign, symbolizing the persistence of seemingly invincible opposition.
• Military personnel: Sibbecai (also spelled Mebunnai, 2 Samuel 23:27) was from Hushah in Judah. His victory over Sippai ranks alongside exploits of Abishai, Elhanan, and Jonathan son of Shimeah, demonstrating the distributed leadership that characterized Davidic warfare (1 Chronicles 20:4-7).

Theological Themes

1. God’s progressive judgment upon the Rephaim. The single verse continues the narrative thread that began with Og of Bashan (Deuteronomy 3:11) and culminates with the extinction of the giants under David, affirming the certainty of divine promises (Genesis 15:18-21).
2. Delegated triumph. While David typologically prefigures Messiah, Chronicles celebrates lesser-known warriors such as Sibbecai. Their faithful obedience anticipates the New Testament principle that every member of the body of Christ has a role in advancing God’s kingdom (1 Corinthians 12:4-27).
3. Subjugation of the enemy foreshadowing Christ’s ultimate victory. The defeat of oversized adversaries anticipates the crushing of Satan under the Messiah’s feet (Romans 16:20), reinforcing hope in final redemption.

Ministry Insights for Today

• Spiritual giants—whether entrenched sin, cultural opposition, or personal fear—can be overcome through steadfast faith and obedience.
• Leadership involves equipping others to fight. David’s willingness to let capable men lead in battle models disciple-making ministry (2 Timothy 2:2).
• Record-keeping of victories, as the Chronicler does, cultivates corporate memory of God’s faithfulness, encouraging worship and perseverance (Psalm 145:4-7).

Related Passages

Genesis 14:5; Deuteronomy 2:10-11; Deuteronomy 3:11; Joshua 15:8; 2 Samuel 21:18; 1 Chronicles 11:29; 1 Chronicles 20:4-8; Psalm 144:1; Romans 16:20.