Town and sea-port in the tribe of Dan. It was the port of Jerusalem. Timber was cut in Lebanon and brought in “floats” by sea to Joppa, for the temple at Jerusalem (2 Chron. 2:16; Ezra 3:7). It was the port from which Jonah took ship to go to Tarshish (Jonah 1:3). It was where Dorcas was restored to life, and where Peter had the vision of the sheet from heaven, with instructions to visit Cornelius (Acts 9:36-43; Acts 10:5-33; Acts 11:5,13). It was originally called JAPHO, (Josh. 19:46); and is now called Jaffa or Yafa, 32° 3' N, 34° 45' E.
It has been destroyed many times. It has no safe landing place, yet many ships trade there, especially since the railway was completed from Yafa to Jerusalem. The town stands on a hill, rising in terraces from the sea, surrounded by decaying fortifications. Its bazaars are the best in Palestine, but the place itself is dirty and miserable, from which travelers hasten away. In its vicinity fine palms, oranges, pomegranates, figs, bananas, and water-melons are grown and exported.