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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Suph</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/s/suph.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/deuteronomy/1-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/s/suph.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Suph</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/s/supervisors_of_the_work.htm" title="Supervisors of the Work">◄</a> Suph <a href="/topical/s/suphah.htm" title="Suphah">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Etymology and Meaning:</b> <br>The term "Suph" is derived from the Hebrew word סוּף (suph), which can mean "reed" or "end." It is often associated with the Red Sea, known in Hebrew as "Yam Suph," meaning "Sea of Reeds."<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b> <br>Suph is mentioned in the context of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In <a href="/deuteronomy/1.htm">Deuteronomy 1:1</a> , it is noted: "These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel in the wilderness east of the Jordan—in the Arabah opposite Suph, between Paran and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab." This reference situates Suph geographically in the narrative of the Israelites' wanderings.<br><br><b>Geographical Context:</b> <br>The exact location of Suph is not definitively known, but it is generally considered to be in the region east of the Jordan River, possibly near the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba. The mention of Suph in Deuteronomy suggests it was a notable landmark or region during the Israelites' journey.<br><br><b>Theological Significance:</b> <br>Suph is significant in the biblical narrative as it marks a point in the Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. The mention of Suph in Deuteronomy serves as a reminder of the trials and tribulations faced by the Israelites and the faithfulness of God in guiding them through the wilderness.<br><br><b>Historical and Cultural Context:</b> <br>In the broader historical and cultural context, the term "Suph" and its association with the "Sea of Reeds" has led to various interpretations and debates among scholars regarding the exact route of the Exodus. The traditional view holds that the crossing of the Red Sea was a miraculous event, demonstrating God's power and deliverance.<br><br><b>Related Terms and Concepts:</b> <br>· <b>Yam Suph (Red Sea):</b> Often associated with the miraculous crossing by the Israelites as they fled from Pharaoh's army (Exodus 14).<br>· <b>Wilderness Wanderings:</b> The period of 40 years during which the Israelites traveled through the desert before entering the Promised Land.<br>· <b>Moses:</b> The leader of the Israelites who delivered God's law and guided them through the wilderness.<br><br><b>Interpretative Challenges:</b> <br>The identification of Suph and its precise location remains a topic of scholarly debate. Some propose that it refers to a specific location, while others suggest it may be a more general term for a region or type of landscape. The association with the "Sea of Reeds" further complicates the understanding, as it raises questions about the traditional identification of the Red Sea crossing.<br><br><b>Conclusion:</b> <br>While the exact location and nature of Suph remain uncertain, its mention in the biblical text underscores its importance as a geographical and theological marker in the narrative of the Israelites' journey. The reference to Suph in Deuteronomy serves as a testament to the enduring faith and perseverance of God's people as they moved toward the fulfillment of His promises.<a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>(<a href="/deuteronomy/1-1.htm">Deuteronomy 1:1</a>, R.V.; marg., "some ancient versions have the Red Sea, " as in the A.V.). Some identify it with Suphah (<a href="/numbers/21-14.htm">Numbers 21:14</a>, marg., A.V.) as probably the name of a place. Others identify it with es-Sufah = Maaleh-acrabbim (<a href="/joshua/15-3.htm">Joshua 15:3</a>), and others again with Zuph (<a href="/1_samuel/9-5.htm">1 Samuel 9:5</a>). It is most probable, however, that, in accordance with the ancient versions, this word is to be regarded as simply an abbreviation of Yam-suph, i.e., the "Red Sea." <a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">SUPH</span><p>soof (cuph; plesion tes eruthras (thalasses); the King James Version Red Sea): As the verse stands, the place where Moses addressed the children of Israel is indicated as "beyond the Jordan in the wilderness, in the Arabah over against Suph" (<a href="/deuteronomy/1-1.htm">Deuteronomy 1:1</a>). the King James Version, following Septuagint, takes the name as a contraction of yam cuph (see RED SEA). The abbreviation is not found elsewhere. The name of the sea was not derived from that of a city; so we need not look in that direction. Knobel suggested Naqb es-Safa, a pass about 25 miles West-Southwest of the Dead Sea. But it is "unsuitably situated; nor does the name agree phonetically (for... agrees with..., not with...)" (Driver, "Deuteronomy," ICC, 4). No identification is possible.<br><br>W. Ewing<p><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/5489.htm"><span class="l">5489. <b>Suph</b> -- "reed," a place near which the law was given</span></a><br><b>...</b> 5488, 5489. <b>Suph</b>. 5490 . "reed," a place near which the law was given.<br> Transliteration: <b>Suph</b> Phonetic Spelling: (soof) Short Definition: <b>Suph</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/5489.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/5487.htm"><span class="l">5487. <b>suph</b> -- to be fulfilled</span></a><br><b>...</b> 5486, 5487. <b>suph</b>. 5488 . to be fulfilled. Transliteration: <b>suph</b> Phonetic Spelling:<br> (soof) Short Definition: fulfilled. <b>...</b> 5486, 5487. <b>suph</b>. 5488 . <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/5487.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/5486.htm"><span class="l">5486. <b>suph</b> -- to come to an end, cease</span></a><br><b>...</b> 5485, 5486. <b>suph</b>. 5487 . to come to an end, cease. Transliteration: <b>suph</b> Phonetic<br> Spelling: (soof) Short Definition: end. <b>...</b> 5485, 5486. <b>suph</b>. 5487 . <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/5486.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/5488.htm"><span class="l">5488. <b>suph</b> -- reeds, rushes</span></a><br><b>...</b> 5487, 5488. <b>suph</b>. 5489 . reeds, rushes. Transliteration: <b>suph</b> Phonetic Spelling:<br> (soof) Short Definition: red. <b>...</b> 5487, 5488. <b>suph</b>. 5489 . Strong's Numbers <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/5488.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/5490.htm"><span class="l">5490. soph -- an end</span></a><br><b>...</b> end. Word Origin from <b>suph</b> Definition an end NASB Word Usage conclusion*<br> (1), end (3), rear (1). conclusion, end, hinder participle. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/5490.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/5492b.htm"><span class="l">5492b. Suphah -- a place East of the Jordan</span></a><br><b>...</b> Word Origin from <b>suph</b> Definition a place E. of the Jordan NASB Word Usage Suphah<br> (1). 5492a, 5492b. Suphah. 5493 . Strong's Numbers. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/5492b.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 5k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/5492a.htm"><span class="l">5492a. suphah -- a storm wind</span></a><br><b>...</b> Word Origin from <b>suph</b> Definition a storm wind NASB Word Usage gale (1), storm (3),<br> tempest (2), whirlwind (8), windstorms (1). 5492, 5492a. suphah. 5492b . <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/5492a.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 5k</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/s/suph.htm"><span class="l"><b>Suph</b> (9 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 9:5). It is most probable, however, that, in accordance with the ancient versions,<br> this word is to be regarded as simply an abbreviation of Yam-<b>suph</b>, ie, the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/suph.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/suphah.htm"><span class="l">Suphah (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> It is probably identical with <b>Suph</b> of Deuteronomy 1:1. Tristram (Land of Moab, 50)<br> suggested identification with Ghor es-Safiyeh, a small oasis East of the mud <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/suphah.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/red.htm"><span class="l">Red (124 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Between these two arms lies the Sinaitic Peninsula. The Hebrew name generally<br> given to this sea is Yam <b>Suph</b>. This word <b>suph</b> means <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/red.htm - 77k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/flag.htm"><span class="l">Flag (30 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> In Exodus 2:3, 5, Isaiah 19:6, it is the rendering of the Hebrew suph_, a word which<br> occurs frequently in connection with _yam; as yam <b>suph</b>, to denote the "Red <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/flag.htm - 18k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/tophel.htm"><span class="l">Tophel (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Deuteronomy 1:1 These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan<br> in the wilderness, in the Arabah over against <b>Suph</b>, between Paran, and <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/tophel.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/rebuketh.htm"><span class="l">Rebuketh (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Rebuketh (5 Occurrences). Psalms 106:9 And rebuketh the sea of <b>Suph</b>, and it is dried<br> up, And causeth them to go Through depths as a wilderness. (YLT). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/rebuketh.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/di'-zahab.htm"><span class="l">Di'-zahab (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Deuteronomy 1:1 These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan<br> in the wilderness, in the Arabah over against <b>Suph</b>, between Paran, and <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/di'-zahab.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/di-zahab.htm"><span class="l">Di-zahab (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Deuteronomy 1:1 These are the words which Moses spake unto all Israel beyond the<br> Jordan in the wilderness, in the Arabah over against <b>Suph</b>, between Paran, and <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/di-zahab.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/dizahab.htm"><span class="l">Dizahab (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Deuteronomy 1:1 These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan<br> in the wilderness, in the Arabah over against <b>Suph</b>, between Paran, and <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/dizahab.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/paran.htm"><span class="l">Paran (11 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Deuteronomy 1:1 These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan<br> in the wilderness, in the Arabah over against <b>Suph</b>, between Paran, and <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/paran.htm - 13k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/red-reed-sea.html">Did the Israelites in the book of Exodus cross the Red Sea or the Reed Sea? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Suph (9 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/deuteronomy/1-1.htm">Deuteronomy 1:1</a></span><br />These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan in the wilderness, in the Arabah over against <span class="boldtext">Suph</span>, between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Dizahab.<br /><span class="source">(WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_kings/9-26.htm">1 Kings 9:26</a></span><br />And a navy hath king Solomon made in Ezion-Geber, that is beside Eloth, on the edge of the Sea of <span class="boldtext">Suph</span>, in the land of Edom.<br /><span class="source">(YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/nehemiah/9-9.htm">Nehemiah 9:9</a></span><br />and dost see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and their cry hast heard by the sea of <span class="boldtext">Suph</span>,<br /><span class="source">(YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/psalms/106-7.htm">Psalms 106:7</a></span><br />Our fathers in Egypt, Have not considered wisely Thy wonders, They have not remembered The abundance of Thy kind acts, And provoke by the sea, at the sea of <span class="boldtext">Suph</span>.<br /><span class="source">(YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/psalms/106-9.htm">Psalms 106:9</a></span><br />And rebuketh the sea of <span class="boldtext">Suph</span>, and it is dried up, And causeth them to go Through depths as a wilderness.<br /><span class="source">(YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/psalms/106-22.htm">Psalms 106:22</a></span><br />Of wonderful things in the land of Ham, Of fearful things by the sea of <span class="boldtext">Suph</span>.<br /><span class="source">(YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/psalms/136-13.htm">Psalms 136:13</a></span><br />To Him cutting the sea of <span class="boldtext">Suph</span> into parts, For to the age 'is' His kindness,<br /><span class="source">(YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/psalms/136-15.htm">Psalms 136:15</a></span><br />And shook out Pharaoh and his force in the sea of <span class="boldtext">Suph</span>, For to the age 'is' His kindness.<br /><span class="source">(YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/jeremiah/49-21.htm">Jeremiah 49:21</a></span><br />From the noise of their fall hath the earth shaken, The cry -- at the sea of <span class="boldtext">Suph</span> is its voice heard.<br /><span class="source">(YLT)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/suph.htm">Suph</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/suph.htm">Suph (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vaheb.htm">Vaheb (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/valleys.htm">Valleys (38 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wars.htm">Wars (24 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wadis.htm">Wadis (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/waheb.htm">Waheb (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/ravines.htm">Ravines (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/arnon.htm">Arnon (23 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/supped.htm">Supped (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/amon.htm">Amon (20 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/valley.htm">Valley (187 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/book.htm">Book (211 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/s/supervisors_of_the_work.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Supervisors of the Work"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Supervisors of the Work" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/s/suphah.htm" 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