patronymically from חוּפָם; a Chuphamite or descendant of Chupham; Huphamites.
Transliteration:Chûwphâmîy
Pronunciation:khoo-faw-mee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The term חוּפָמִי (Chûwphâmîy), transliterated as "Huphamite" or "Chuphamite," is a patronymic noun derived from the proper name חוּפָם (Chûwphâm), or "Hupham." As a patronymic, its core meaning denotes a descendant or member of the family or clan associated with the individual named Hupham. The suffix "-î" is a common Hebrew adjectival or nominal ending used to indicate belonging, origin, or affiliation. Therefore, "Huphamite" signifies "one belonging to Hupham" or "a descendant of Hupham." Its semantic range is quite narrow, primarily functioning as a designation for a specific lineage within a larger tribal structure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חוּפָמִי (Chûwphâmîy) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Numbers:
* [[Numbers 26:39]]: "Of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites: of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites."
This verse is found within the context of the second census of the Israelites in the wilderness, conducted by Moses and Eleazar just before their entry into the Promised Land. The census meticulously enumerates the fighting men of each tribe, broken down by their constituent clans or families. Here, the "Huphamites" are identified as one of the distinct families within the tribe of Benjamin. The inclusion of such detailed genealogical information underscores the biblical emphasis on lineage, tribal identity, and the precise organization of God's people. This census was not merely a demographic count but a crucial step in preparing for the division of the land of Canaan, where tribal and clan affiliations would determine inheritance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the base name חוּפָם (Chûwphâm), from which the patronymic is derived. Understanding the "Huphamites" also necessitates an understanding of broader biblical concepts:
* **Patronymics:** The use of patronymics is pervasive in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., "Israelite," "Judahite," "Benjaminite"). They serve to establish identity, lineage, and communal belonging.
* **Clan/Family (מִשְׁפָּחָה, `{{H4940}}`):** The "Huphamites" represent a *mishpachah*, a family unit or clan, which was a fundamental social and organizational structure within ancient Israel. These clans were subdivisions of tribes (שֵׁבֶט, `{{H7626}}`).
* **Genealogy:** The detailed genealogical records throughout the Pentateuch, Chronicles, and other books emphasize the continuity of God's covenant people and the fulfillment of His promises through specific lineages.
* **Census:** The censuses in Numbers highlight God's meticulous ordering of His people, vital for military organization, land distribution, and maintaining tribal distinctiveness.
### Theological Significance
While the term חוּפָמִי (Chûwphâmîy) refers to a specific clan, its inclusion in the biblical narrative carries significant theological weight:
* **Divine Order and Precision:** The meticulous listing of clans like the Huphamites demonstrates God's profound attention to detail and His sovereign ordering of His covenant people. Every family and individual had a designated place within His grand design.
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** The preservation of distinct tribal and clan identities was essential for the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, particularly concerning the inheritance of the land of Canaan according to tribal portions. The census reaffirmed the continuity of the generations to whom these promises were made.
* **Identity and Belonging:** For the Israelites, belonging to a specific clan like the Huphamites was integral to their identity. It provided a sense of rootedness, communal solidarity, and a share in the collective heritage and destiny of Israel as God's chosen nation.
* **Preparation for Inheritance:** The census, including the identification of clans, directly preceded the entry into the Promised Land. It was the basis for the equitable distribution of land, ensuring that each family received its divinely appointed inheritance, thereby securing their place and future within the covenant land.
### Summary
The term חוּפָמִי (Chûwphâmîy) is a patronymic signifying "a descendant of Hupham" or "one belonging to the clan of Hupham." Its sole appearance in [[Numbers 26:39]] identifies it as a specific family unit within the tribe of Benjamin, enumerated during the second wilderness census. This seemingly minor detail underscores profound biblical themes: God's meticulous ordering of His people, the importance of lineage for covenant continuity, the establishment of identity and belonging within the community of Israel, and the preparation for the fulfillment of promises related to land inheritance. The Huphamites, though briefly mentioned, represent the countless individuals and families whose existence and place were divinely ordained and recorded as part of God's faithful dealings with His chosen nation.
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