Lexical Summary
Mophaath or Mephaath or Mephaath: Mephaath
Original Word:מוֹפַעַת
Part of Speech:Proper Name Location
Transliteration:Mowpha`ath
Pronunciation:mo-fah'-ath or meh-fah'-ath
Phonetic Spelling:(mo-fah'-ath)
KJV: Mephaath
NASB:Mephaath
Word Origin:[fromH3313 (יָפַע - shine)]
1. illuminative
2. Mophaath or Mephaath, a place in Israel
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Mephaath
(Jer. 48:21 or meyphaath {may-fah'-ath}; or mephaath {may-fah'-ath; fromyapha'; illuminative; Mophaath or Mephaath, a place in Palestine -- Mephaath.
see HEBREWyapha'
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
yaphaDefinitiona Levitical city in Reuben
NASB TranslationMephaath (4).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
(Sabean proper name, of a location , DHM
ZMG 1876, 679; 1883, 362) —
1 Chronicles 6:64 Levitical city in Reuben; in Reuben
Joshua 13:18;
Jeremiah 48:21 in Moab.
see below .
, see below .
Kt, see below .
see .
(√ of following, meaning unknown).
Topical Lexicon
Geographical ContextMephaath lay on the eastern side of the Dead Sea in the plateau region called “the Arabah” or “the plain” (Hebrew mishor). The site guarded one of the approaches up from the Jordan Valley to the elevated grazing lands of Moab and Gilead, sitting at roughly 900 m above sea level. Several explorers have identified it with Khirbet el-Mfâʿ or nearby Khirbet el-Maʿfā, locations marked by Iron Age walls, cisterns, and tombs. Its position on a caravan route between Heshbon and Dibon made it strategically significant for both military defense and commerce.
Biblical Occurrences
1.Joshua 13:18 records Mephaath among the Trans-Jordanian towns allotted to the tribe of Reuben after Israel defeated Sihon king of the Amorites.
2.Joshua 21:37 lists Mephaath as one of four Reubenite cities set aside “with their pasturelands” for the Merarite division of the Levites. The Berean Standard Bible reads, “Kedemoth and Mephaath, together with their pasturelands—four cities.”
3.1 Chronicles 6:79 repeats that priestly allocation several centuries later, demonstrating continuity in Israel’s historical memory.
4.Jeremiah 48:21 includes Mephaath among Moabite towns under divine judgment: “Judgment has come upon the plateau—upon Holon, Jahzah, and Mephaath.”
Tribal Allocation and Levitical Significance
Although Mephaath originally fell within Reuben’s inheritance, it quickly became a Levitical center. The Merarites were responsible for transporting and maintaining the heavier structural components of the tabernacle (Numbers 4:29-33). Having a city like Mephaath on the trade route into Moab gave these Levites access to pasture for cattle needed in sacrificial service and proximity to Israelite and Gentile travelers who required teaching in the Law. The city thus served as a hub where worship, instruction, and hospitality intersected, illustrating the priesthood’s mandate to bless all nations (Genesis 12:3;Deuteronomy 33:10).
Historical Shifts
Between the settlement period and the time of Jeremiah, Moab regained control of Mephaath. The change of hands likely occurred during Israel’s spiritual decline under the later kings, when the Trans-Jordan tribes became vulnerable to surrounding nations. Jeremiah’s oracle (Jeremiah 48) treats the loss as an accomplished fact, proving both the literal fulfillment of covenant curses (Leviticus 26:33) and the prophetic accuracy of Scripture. Archeological strata at the proposed site reveal Moabite occupation layers from the late Iron Age, supporting the biblical chronology.
Prophetic Implications
Mephaath’s inclusion inJeremiah 48 underscores God’s universal sovereignty. The same city once consecrated for Levitical ministry became a target of judgment because of Moab’s pride and idolatry: “Moab has been at ease from youth… therefore his taste has remained, and his aroma is unchanged” (Jeremiah 48:11). The prophetic word demonstrates that covenant privilege never excuses sin, and geographic proximity to sacred space does not guarantee protection apart from covenant loyalty.
Archaeological and Historical Considerations
• Surface pottery at Khirbet el-Mfâʿ includes Late Bronze and Iron II wares, matching the biblical timeline.
• A ruined rectangular enclosure on the acropolis suggests administrative or cultic functions, compatible with a Levitical settlement.
• Several shaft tombs with Moabite-style grave goods appear in the later strata, hinting at the cultural transition Jeremiah presupposes.
Ministry Lessons for the Contemporary Church
1. Stewardship of Sacred Trusts: Like the Levites of Mephaath, believers are custodians of divine truth. Location and resources are granted for service, not self-indulgence (1 Peter 4:10-11).
2. Vigilance Against Drift: The eventual loss of Mephaath to Moab warns that neglect of covenant obligations invites discipline (Hebrews 2:1-3).
3. Hope in Restoration: Jeremiah’s larger oracle promises future mercy for Moab (Jeremiah 48:47). Even when judgment falls, God’s redemptive purposes continue, encouraging intercessory prayer for hostile cultures.
Summary
Mephaath functioned as a Levitical stronghold east of the Jordan, embodying the integration of worship, instruction, and pastoral livelihood. Its history—allocation to Reuben, dedication to the Merarites, loss to Moab, and mention in prophetic judgment—illustrates both the privileges and responsibilities attached to sacred service and affirms the unerring reliability of the biblical record.
Forms and Transliterations
וּמֵפָֽעַת׃ ומפעת׃ מֵיפַ֖עַת מֵיפָ֖עַת מֵיפָֽעַת׃ מיפעת מיפעת׃ mê·p̄a·‘aṯ mê·p̄ā·‘aṯ meiFaat mêp̄a‘aṯ mêp̄ā‘aṯ ū·mê·p̄ā·‘aṯ umeFaat ūmêp̄ā‘aṯ
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