Ziphion צִפְיוֹן
Son of Gad, progenitor of the Zephonites
Who is Ziphion in the Bible?
Ziphion, also known as Zephon, was a son of Gad and one of Jacob's grandsons who traveled to Egypt during the time of Joseph (Genesis 46:16). He served as the ancestor and namesake of the Zephonite clan, one of the families within the tribe of Gad, as confirmed in the wilderness census recorded in Numbers 26:15. While Ziphion appears in biblical genealogies as a significant figure in Gad's lineage, no further details about his personal life or accomplishments are provided in Scripture. His mention in these genealogical records underscores the biblical importance of family heritage and tribal identity among the Israelites.
Biography
Ziphion, also known as Zephon, was a son of Gad, one of the twelve sons of Israel (or 'Jacob'). He is mentioned in the genealogy of Jacob's descendants who went down to Egypt during the time of Joseph (Gen.46.16). Ziphion is also listed in the census of the Israelites taken in the wilderness of Sinai (Num.26.15), where he is identified as the ancestor of the Zephonite clan. The Zephonites were one of the families within the tribe of Gad, named after their progenitor Ziphion. The fact that the clan bore his name suggests that he was a significant figure in the lineage of Gad. However, no further details are provided about Ziphion's life or his role within the family. The mention of Ziphion in these genealogical records emphasizes the importance of family heritage and tribal identity among the Israelites.
Family
Siblings
- Haggi Tribe of GadSon of GadSon of Gad, grandson of Jacob.View full profile →
- Shuni Tribe of GadSon of GadSon of Gad, ancestor of the Shunite clan.View full profile →
- Ezbon Tribe of BenjaminBenjamin warriorSon of Bela, grandson of Benjamin.View full profile →
- Eri Tribe of GadSon of GadSon of Gad; head of the Erite clan.View full profile →
- Arod Tribe of GadSon of GadSon of Gad and founder of the Arodite clanView full profile →
- Areli Tribe of GadSon of GadSon of Gad, grandson of JacobView full profile →
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentGenesis 1 verse
- Genesis 46:16
"The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli."
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Numbers 1 verse
- Numbers 26:15
"These were the descendants of Gad by their clans: The Zephonite clan from Zephon, the Haggite clan from Haggi, the Shunite clan from Shuni,"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | צִפְיוֹן |
| Named | Hebrew | צְפוֹן |
| Group | Hebrew | צְפוֹנִי |