Japha (Yafia) (Israel)
City:
Nazareth
State, Province, Region, or District:
Northern District, Galilee Region
Country:
Israel
Overview
This village is not to be confused with Joppa or what today is called “Jaffa” in English, “Yafo” in Hebrew, and “Yafa” in Arabic, which is now incorporated into the southern part of Tel Aviv. Japha (Joffa, Jafia, Joffa of the Galilee, Joffa of Nazareth, Jaffa of Nazareth, Yafa an-Naseriyye, Yafa, Yapu, Kfar, Yafia, or Yafi) was a large fortified city in the time of the Jewish revolt against the Romans, and was destroyed in 67AD. This Arab village is adjacent to Nazareth, about 2 miles (3 kilometers) southwest on the road to Haifa and is today considered a part of greater city of Nazareth. At the Roman times, it was one of the important cities in the Galilee, fortified by Josephus, but declined after the Byzantine period.
Geography & Location
Japha is know by many names: Joffa, Jafia, Joffa of the Galilee, Joffa of Nazareth, Jaffa of Nazareth, Yafa an-Naseriyye, Yafa, Yapu, Kfar, Yafia, or Yafi.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
Japha was under Megiddo rule at the Bronze period, and mentioned in Amarna letters, a 14th century BC Egyptian archive of clay tablets, as “Yapu.”
Biblical & Historical References
Japha has been identified with the ancient town of Japhia, mentioned in the book of Joshua as a border town belonging to Zebulun (Joshua 19:12).
Etymology
Yafia means in Hebrew a remarkable, beautiful place.
Places of Interest
Catholic Church