The name Aphek or Aphec[1] refers to one of several locations mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as the scenes of a number of battles between the Israelites and the Arameans and Philistines:

The Battle of Aphek is a biblical episode described in the First Book of Samuel 4:1–10 of the Hebrew Bible. During this battle the Philistines defeated the Israelite army and captured the Ark of the Covenant.

Aphek, Canaanite royal city near the present-day Israeli city of Petaḥ Tiqwa. Situated near the headwaters of the Yarqon River, the city is the most significant of several places called Aphek (Hebrew ʾafik, “riverbed”) in the Hebrew Bible.

Discover the meaning of Aphek in the Bible. Study the definition of Aphek with multiple Bible Dictionaries and Encyclopedias and find scripture references in the Old and New Testaments.

When Herod the Great became king (37–4 BC), he rebuilt Aphek and named the city Antipatris after his father Antipater. Archaeological work has revealed the city’s Cardo, with shops on both sides of this main street.

APHEK a'-fek ('apheq, "fortress"; Aphek): (1) In Joshua 12:18 we should probably read with the Septuagint "the king of Aphek in Sharon." This may correspond to Aphek in 1 Samuel 4:1. It was a royal city of the Canaanites whose king was slain by Joshua. Probably it is the Aphek mentioned by Josephus as being near to Antipatris (BJ, II, xix, 1).

APHEK ā’ fĕk (אֲפֵ֖ק, stream-bed, strong, fortress [?]). Variant, Aphik (Judg 1:31). A name which appears in widely scattered areas of Pal. 1. A city of the tribal inheritance of Asher taken from the Canaanites (Josh 19:30; Judg 1:31). The tribe was not able to drive out its inhabitants so they dwelt among them.

The Battle of Aphek is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of 1 Samuel and 1 Kings. This battle is notable for its theological implications and its impact on the history of Israel.

Dec 8, 2024 · Explore the historical and archaeological significance of Aphek in the Bible, uncovering its role in ancient battles and biblical narratives. Aphek holds a significant place in biblical history, frequently mentioned in the Old Testament and serving as the backdrop for numerous key events.

Tel Aphek is a mound that covers about 120 dunams in the Mekorot Yarkon area between modern Petah Tikva and Rosh Ha’Ayin, and was active from the Chalcolithic to the Ottoman period.