Red Sea
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia

(Exod. 10:19; 13:18; 14:21-31; Num. 14:25; 33:10-11; Deut. 1:40; 2:1; 11:4; Heb. 11:29)—the long sea separating northeastern Africa from the Arabian Peninsula. At its northern end it divides into the gulfs of Suez and Aqaba. Scripture’s Hebrew name is *Yam Suph*, traditionally translated “Red Sea” and also understood as “Sea of Reeds.” The source records older explanations connecting “red” with sea vegetation, Edom, or red coral; none is decisive for the Hebrew name.