Bible Dictionary
Epher
Epher was the name of descendants of Midian and Judah, and of a head of a Manassite family east of the Jordan. The name means “calf” or “young deer.”
Definition
Epher, meaning “calf” or “young deer,” was the name of several men. These included a son of Midian, a descendant of Judah, and a head of a Manassite family east of the Jordan.
Biblical Usage
The Midianite Epher was a son of Abraham through Keturah. Another Epher belonged to Judah, and a Manassite Epher was among the heads of families living between Bashan and Mount Hermon.
Historical Background
The Manassite family was counted among mighty and famous men and was later carried captive by Tiglath-pileser.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A calf. (1.) One of the sons of Midian, who was Abraham’s son by Keturah (Gen. 25:4). (2.) The head of one of the families of trans-Jordanic Manasseh who were carried captive by Tiglath-pileser (1 Chr. 5:24).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(a calf), the second, in order, of the sons of Midian. (Genesis 25:4; 1 Chronicles 1:33) (B.C. 1820).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>e'-fer `epher, "calf," "young deer"; Apher, Opher:</p><p>(1) The second son of Midian, descended from Abraham by his wife Keturah (Ge 25:4; 1Ch 1:33). See further Dillmann's Commentary on Genesis (Ge 25:4).</p><p>(2) The third son of Ezra, descended from the tribe of Judah (1Ch 4:17).</p><p>(3) The first of five heads of their fathers' houses, "mighty men of valor, famous men," in the halftribe of Manasseh, who dwelt between Bashan and Mt. Hermon (1Ch 5:23,14).</p>