CHEPHIRAH

ke-fi'-ra (ha-kephirah; Codex Vaticanus, Kapheira (Joshua 9); Codex Alexandrinus has Chepheira, Codex Vaticanus has kai Pheira (Joshua 18)): One of the cities of the Hivites who by guile made alliance with Israel (Joshua 9:17). It was in the lot of Benjamin (Joshua 18:26), and was reoccupied after the return from Babylon (Ezra 2:25 Nehemiah 7:29). It is represented by the modern Kefireh, to the Southwest of Gibeon, and North of Karyat el-`Anab. It stands on high ground, with many ancient remains.