What is Sepharvaim in the Bible?

What does the Bible say about Sepharvaim?

Sepharvaim is mentioned in the Bible as one of the cities from which the Assyrians brought people to resettle in Samaria after the deportation of the Israelites (2Ki. 17:24, 31). The people of Sepharvaim, along with those from other cities, were brought in to replace the exiled Israelites and to populate the cities of Samaria. These foreign settlers brought with them their own gods and religious practices, including the worship of Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim (2Ki. 17:31). The exact location of Sepharvaim is uncertain, but it is mentioned alongside other cities conquered by the Assyrians, such as Hamath and Arpad (2Ki. 18:34; 19:13; Isa. 36:19; 37:13). Some scholars propose that Sepharvaim may be identified with the Babylonian city of Sippar, located on the east bank of the Euphrates River, while others suggest it could be a city in Syria or Cilicia. The resettlement of people from Sepharvaim and other cities in Samaria contributed to the mixed religious and cultural background of the Samaritans, who were later regarded with animosity by the Jews.

Where does Sepharvaim appear in the Bible?

Sepharvaim is referenced in 4 verses across 2 books. Every passage below is about this one, not just every verse the word turns up in.

• 2 Kings 18:34
• 2 Kings 19:13
• Isaiah 36:19
• Isaiah 37:13

What else appears in these passages?

These turn up in the same passages as Sepharvaim.