חפר

Chefer is an ancient and exceptionally rare Hebrew name, deeply woven into the history of the Jewish people and the biblical narrative. The name carries multiple fascinating meanings in the Hebrew language: Chefer means 'pit' or 'excavation', but can also mean 'shame' or 'disgrace' in certain contexts. Despite the potentially negative connotation, the name holds great historical significance and appeared in several important biblical figures. In ancient Hebrew culture, names derived from roots connected to the earth and agricultural work were considered positive and expressed a deep connection to the land and nature. Several figures named Chefer appear in the Bible, the most prominent being Chefer son of Gilead, grandson of Manasseh son of Joseph. Chefer was an important family head in the tribe of Manasseh, and his family received an inheritance in the land of Canaan after its conquest. The daughters of Zelophehad son of Chefer became famous in the Bible as 'the daughters of Zelophehad', who claimed their right to inherit their father's estate despite being women, thereby changing the inheritance laws of the people of Israel. Their story appears in the Book of Numbers and represents an important milestone in the history of women's rights in Jewish tradition. Additionally, the Bible also mentions Chefer the Mecherathite, one of King David's mighty warriors, who was part of 'the Thirty' - David's elite fighting force. The name Chefer is also linked to biblical geography: a Canaanite city named Chefer is mentioned in the list of cities conquered by Joshua son of Nun during the conquest of the land. Furthermore, 'the land of Chefer' is mentioned as a geographical region in the Sharon, and the name has been preserved to this day in the 'Hefer Valley' in the northern Sharon. This region is known for its fertility and agricultural importance, which reinforces the connection between the name and the land and agricultural work. In modern times, the name Chefer remains extremely rare, but it carries with it all the depth of biblical history and connection to the Land of Israel, making it a unique and interesting choice for parents seeking a name with deep roots and historical significance.

חֵפֶר

Chefer | Hefer | Hepher

Boy

No

Joshua 17:2 - And the sons of Gilead were Hepher and Shemida

In Kabbalah, the name Chefer is connected to hidden depths and the search for inner truth. The root Ch-P-R symbolizes deep excavation, not only in the physical earth but also in spiritual dimensions. The name represents the ability to penetrate beneath the surface, to discover hidden secrets and reach the roots of things. The bearer of this name is perceived as one who can dig deep into Torah and wisdom, and reveal the hidden light within the darkness.

288

9

עופר | חבר