Original Word: אֵפוֹ
Part of Speech: enclitic particle
Transliteration: ephow
Pronunciation: ay-fo'
Phonetic Spelling: (ay-fo')
KJV: here, now, where?
NASB: then, now, so, well then
Word Origin: [from H6311 (פּוֹה פּוֹא פּוֹ - here)]

1. strictly a demonstrative particle, here
2. but used of time, now or then

here, now, where

Or hephowe {ay-fo'}; from poh; strictly a demonstrative particle, here; but used of time, now or then -- here, now, where?

see HEBREW poh

Word Origin
a prim. particle
Definition
then
NASB Translation
now (4), so (1), then (8), well then (1).

אֵפוֺ (Job 17:15; 19:6,23; 24:25), elsewhere אֵפוֺא (compare רִבּוֺ and רִבּוֺא ),

enclitic particle then (probably from מּוֺ, a particle with a demonstrative force, compare מּוֺ, מֹּה here, with א prefixed. In the Targs. מּוֺן is used somewhat similarly, e.g. Genesis 26:10; Numbers 11:29; Isaiah 1:9; Isaiah 48:18,19), — used

1 in connection with interrogatory pronouns or adverbs (like ἄρα, ποτε tandem): מִי אֵפוֺא Genesis 27:3 who, then, . . . ? Genesis 27:37; וּלְכָה אֵפוֺא מָה אֶעֱשֶׂה and for thee, then, what shall I do, my son ? Exodus 33:16 וּבַמֶּה יִוָּדַע אֵפוֺא and wherein shall it be known, then...? אַיה אֵפוֺא where, then ? Judges 9:38; Isaiah 19:12; Job 17:15; Hosea 13:10 אֱהִי מַלְכְךָ אֵפוֺא Isaiah 22:1 מַהלָּֿח אֵפוֺא what is there to thee, pray. . .?

2 in a command or wish : 2 Kings 10:10 דְּעוּ אֵפוֺא ? know, then; (in apodosis) Proverbs 6:3; Job 19:6,23 מִיּיִֿתֵּן אֵפוֺ וְיִכָּֽתְבוּן מִלָּי֑ would, then, that my words were written !

3 after אִם Genesis 43:11 אִםכֵּֿן אֵפוֺא זאֹת עֲשׂו if it be so, then, do this, Job 9:24 if not then, who is it ? Job 24:25.

Overview

אֵפוֹ appears fifteen times across diverse genres, invariably marking a decisive moment that demands an answer, exposes human limitation, or highlights the certainty of God’s purposes. Whether rendered “where then,” “what now,” or “how then,” the particle turns the spotlight from human confusion to divine sovereignty.

Sense and Literary Function

1. Rhetorical Interrogation – introduces piercing questions that compel reflection or confession (Genesis 27:33; Isaiah 19:12).
2. Transitional Exhortation – signals an urgent “now, therefore” as counsel is pressed upon the hearer (Proverbs 6:3; Genesis 43:11).
3. Verification or Vindication – underlines the reliability of the LORD’s word or the speaker’s integrity (2 Kings 10:10; Job 24:25).

Occurrences and Thematic Clusters

1. Patriarchal Turning-Points (Genesis 27:33; 27:37; 43:11)

• Isaac’s startled “Who then?” reveals that human schemes cannot overturn divine election.
• Jacob’s reluctant “If it must be so, then…” concedes that God’s hidden providence governs famine and family reconciliation.

2. Covenant Identity in the Wilderness (Exodus 33:16)

• Moses pleads, “How then will it be known that Your people and I have found favor… unless You go with us?”. אֵפוֹ here stresses that Israel’s uniqueness rests solely on the LORD’s presence, not on merit or might.

3. Royal Contests and Prophetic Certainty (Judges 9:38; 2 Kings 10:10)

• Zebul’s taunt, “Where now is your boast?” unmasks Gaal’s bravado once divine judgment advances.
• Jehu declares, “Know then that nothing the word of the LORD has spoken… will fail”, certifying that every prophetic syllable stands inviolable.

4. Wisdom and Suffering (Job 9:24; 17:15; 19:6, 23; 24:25; Proverbs 6:3)

• Job’s repeated “Where then…?” laments underline the enigma of suffering while still conceding that only God can supply the missing answer.
• Proverbs exhorts, “Do this now, my son, and deliver yourself” (Proverbs 6:3), urging immediate, humble action before debt becomes bondage.

5. Prophetic Rebuke of Human Wisdom and Power (Isaiah 19:12; 22:1; Hosea 13:10)

• “Where then are your wise men?” (Isaiah 19:12) mocks Egypt’s counselors who cannot decode God’s plan.
• Isaiah 22:1 and Hosea 13:10 level similar challenges to Jerusalem and Israel: “What has happened to you now…?”; “Where is your king to save you now…?”. Earthly structures collapse when they replace reliance on the LORD.

Historical and Ministry Significance

• Covenant Assurance – Each use of אֵפוֹ implicitly contrasts human uncertainty with God’s unbreakable covenant faithfulness.
• Prophetic Apologetic – The particle often frames fulfilled prophecy, providing apologetic weight for trusting Scripture.
• Pastoral Urgency – In counseling and preaching, אֵפוֹ warns against delay; decisive obedience belongs “now.”
• Corporate Identity – Exodus 33:16 shows that the distinguishing mark of God’s people is His indwelling presence, a truth echoed in the New Covenant reality of the Holy Spirit (compare 1 Corinthians 3:16).

Christological Trajectory

The Gospel repeatedly echoes אֵפוֹ’s challenge: “Where then is your faith?” (Luke 8:25), “Where are the nine?” (Luke 17:17). Jesus embodies the ultimate answer to every profound “where now?” of the Old Testament, assuring believers that in Him all questions find their resolution (John 14:6).

Devotional Reflection

Whenever Scripture poses an אֵפוֹ question, the reader is invited to locate hope, wisdom, or identity not in self, but in the LORD. Each instance therefore functions as a summons to repent of misplaced confidence, rest in the sure word of God, and act promptly in the light of that certainty.

אֵ֭פוֹ אֵפ֔וֹא אֵפ֗וֹא אֵפ֡וֹא אֵפ֣וֹ אֵפ֣וֹא אֵפ֥וֹא אֵפ֪וֹא ׀ אֵפוֹא֮ אפו אפוא ’ê·p̄ō·w ’ê·p̄ōw ’êp̄ōw eFoInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts