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H658 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֶפֶס דַּמִּים
Ephes Dammim
Proper noun
Ephes-dammim (End/Boundary of blood)

Definition

The Hebrew place name Ephes Dammim (H658) means "the boundary of blood" or "cessation of bloodshed." It refers to a location between Socoh and Azekah in Judah where the Philistines encamped before the battle in which David slew Goliath. The compound name suggests a place of decisive conflict.

Usage & Theological Significance

Ephes Dammim is forever associated with one of Scripture's most iconic confrontations — a young shepherd against a giant warrior, faith against overwhelming human power. The name itself, "boundary of blood," speaks to the climactic nature of the encounter. David's victory there prefigures Christ's ultimate victory over the powers of darkness — not through military might but through trust in the living God.

Key Bible Verses

1 Samuel 17:1 Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle. And they were gathered at Socoh, which belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim.
1 Chronicles 11:13 He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. There was a plot of ground full of barley, and the men fled from the Philistines.
1 Samuel 17:4 And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
1 Samuel 17:45 Then David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts.'
1 Samuel 17:50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him.

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