Pronunciation: [ˈɛfə] (IPA) 
The word "ephah" is a unit of measurement commonly used in ancient times. It is spelled with the letters E-P-H-A-H and is pronounced /ˈiːfə/ according to IPA phonetic transcription. The sound in the first syllable is a long e, while the second syllable features a short u sound followed by an "f" sound. The third syllable has an "uh" sound and the final syllable contains an "uh" sound with a slightly aspirated "h" sound at the end.
The term "ephah" refers to a unit of measurement used in ancient times to quantify dry commodities such as grain or flour. Originating from the Hebrew word "ĕphâh," it was widely employed in the ancient Near East and has commonly been associated with biblical accounts and references.
An ephah is considered a substantial measure and is equivalent to a tenth part of a homer. Historically, a homer was a large unit of measurement, making the ephah a significant portion of it. While the actual weight or volume of an ephah has varied in different regions and eras, it is generally estimated to be around one bushel or approximately 22 liters in modern terms.
The ephah played a vital role in ancient economies and trade as it provided a standardized unit for measuring grain and other dry goods. It allowed merchants and traders to accurately determine quantities and establish fair prices during transactions. Additionally, the ephah had cultural and religious significance, with offerings and offerings of grain often measured in this unit.
Due to its historical and biblical associations, the term "ephah" is occasionally used metaphorically in contemporary language, referring to a specific amount, portion, or measure of something. Nonetheless, it predominantly carries the specialized meaning of a unit of measurement for dry commodities in ancient times, particularly in relation to biblical contexts or discussions surrounding ancient Near Eastern cultures.
A Hebrew measure of about 3 pecks 3 pints.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "ephah" has its roots in Hebrew. It comes from the Hebrew term אֵיפָה (ephah), which can be traced back to the Akkadian language. In Akkadian, the term was "ipû", which meant "the hollowed-out palm of the hand", referring to a unit of measure.
From Akkadian, the term passed into Hebrew and was used as a measurement unit for dry goods, such as grain. In the Hebrew Bible, an ephah is described as a unit of measure equivalent to one tenth of a homer, which is approximately 30.4 liters.
Overall, the etymology of the word "ephah" can be linked to ancient Semitic languages, specifically Akkadian, and it has persisted in Hebrew literature as a unit of measure.
