What is…
Nephtoah
also known as: Naftoah, Nephtho [Latin], Clepsta [Crusaders]
Hebrew: נֶפְתּוֹחַ —transliteration: Nephtoach —meaning: opened, i.e. a spring, spring of the corridor
This is the name of an abundant perennial spring and the stream issuing from it on the border between Judah and Benjamin (Joshua 15:8-9; 18:15). The two tribes shared this reliable water source.
From the top of the mountain the border curved to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah and proceeded to the cities of Mount Ephron; then the border curved to Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim). —Joshua 15:9
It has been identified with 'Ain Naftoah or 'Ayn Neftoah (aka 'Ain Lifta or Ein Lifta), a spring about 2½ miles northwest of Jerusalem. The spring comes through a tunnelled rock scarp into a large pool, matching the description “the waters of Nephtoah.” It drains toward the Valley of Rephaim.
Today this place is a Palestinian village named Lifta. Archaeological surveys have been conducted at Lifta.
