Bible Dictionary
IPHTAH-EL
Iphtah-el was a valley forming part of the northern boundary of Zebulun. Its exact identification is uncertain, though it has been associated with the region near Tell Jefat.
Definition
Iphtah-el was a valley forming part of the northern boundary of Zebulun. Its exact identification is uncertain, though it probably began near Tell Jefat, passed south of Jebel Kaukab, and opened toward the plain of Acre as Wady ‘Abellin.
Biblical Usage
The valley is mentioned in the description of Zebulun’s northern boundary.
Historical Background
The suggested identification near Tell Jefat fits the description of a steep hill northwest of the plain of el-Battauf and the route toward the plain of Acre. The identification remains probable rather than certain.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>if'-ta-el (yiphtach-'el; the King James Version Jiphtah-el): The valley of Iphtah-el lay on the North border of Zebulun (Jos 19:14,27). Northwest of the plain of el-Battauf stands a steep hill, connected only by a low saddle with the hills on the North. The name Tell Jefat suggests the Jotapata of Josephus (BJ, III, vi, i; vii, i, etc.), and the place answers well to his description. It probably corresponds to the ancient Iphtah-el. In that case the valley is most probably that which begins at Tell Jefat, passes round the South of Jebel Kaukab, and, as Wady 'Abellin, opens on the plain of Acre.</p><p>W. Ewing</p>