What is…
Ramathaim-zophim

also known as: Ramah

Ramathaim is another name for Ramah. It refers to the two heights of the Zophites or of the watchers, called Ramathaim-zophim only in 1 Samuel 1:1), “in the land of Zuph” (1 Sam. 9:5)

Now there was a certain man from from the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. —1 Samuel 1:1

One of the Levitical families descended from Kohath, that of Zuph or Zophai (1 Chronicles 6:26, 35), had a district assigned to them in Ephraim, which from this circumstance was called “the land of Zuph,” and hence the name of the town, “Zophim.”

It was the birthplace of Samuel and the seat of his authority (1 Samuel 2:11; 7:17).

It is frequently mentioned in the history of that prophet and of David (1 Sam. 15:34; 16:13; 9:18-23).

Samuel died here and was buried (1 Sam. 25:1).

This town has been identified with the modern Neby Samwil (Nabi Samwil) (“the prophet Samuel”), about 4 or 5 miles northwest of Jerusalem. But there is no certainty as to its precise locality. Some believe is is identical with Arimathea of the New Testament.

More information

Article Version: March 24, 2025