or חֻשִׁים; or חֻשִׁם; plural from חוּשׁ; hasters; Chushim, the name of three Israelites; Hushim.
Transliteration:Chûwshîym
Pronunciation:khoo-sheem'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חוּשִׁים (Chûwshîym), transliterated as Hushim, is a plural noun derived from the root חוּשׁ (chûwsh) `{{H2363}}`, which signifies "to hasten," "to make haste," or "to be quick." Etymologically, therefore, חוּשִׁים means "hasters" or "those who hasten." However, in its biblical usage, H2366 functions exclusively as a proper noun, referring to specific individuals rather than a general class of swift persons. Despite its plural morphology, it consistently designates a singular person, a common feature of Hebrew proper names. Its semantic range is thus confined to its role as an anthroponym, with its etymological meaning providing an intriguing, though not explicitly elaborated, background to the named individuals.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name חוּשִׁים (Hushim) appears in three distinct contexts within the Hebrew Bible, referring to three different individuals:
1. **Son of Dan**: In [[Genesis 46:23]], Hushim is listed as the sole son of Dan, one of Jacob's twelve sons, who journeyed with Jacob into Egypt. This inclusion places him within the foundational patriarchal narratives and the nascent formation of the Israelite tribes. The text states, "And the sons of Dan; Hushim." While the name is plural, it clearly refers to a single individual, emphasizing the unique lineage of Dan.
2. **A Benjamite Male**: In [[1 Chronicles 7:12]], Hushim is mentioned in the genealogies of Benjamin, specifically as a son of Aher (or Ir, depending on textual variants). The verse states, "The sons of Ir: Shuppim and Huppim. The sons of Aher: Hushim." This places him within the intricate tribal records of Benjamin, a tribe known for its martial prowess and complex internal divisions. His identity here is purely genealogical, without further narrative detail.
3. **A Benjamite Female**: In [[1 Chronicles 8:8]] and [[1 Chronicles 8:11]], Hushim is identified as one of the wives of Shaharaim, a prominent figure in the Benjamite lineage. From her, Shaharaim begat two sons, Abitub and Elpaal. This is significant as it is one of the few instances where a female is named Hushim, demonstrating the flexibility of the name across genders. Her role is primarily as a progenitor within the Benjamite tribal history, contributing to the detailed record of their family lines.
In all occurrences, the name Hushim appears within genealogical lists, serving to trace lineage and tribal connections rather than providing narrative insight into the individuals' characters or actions. The etymological meaning "hasters" is not expounded upon or connected to any specific characteristic of these figures in the biblical text.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to חוּשִׁים (Hushim) is its root verb, חוּשׁ (chûwsh) `{{H2363}}`. This verb carries the primary meaning of "to make haste," "to hurry," or "to be quick," but can also denote "to feel" or "to perceive" in some contexts (e.g., [[Job 20:2]]). The noun form "hasters" is a direct derivation, though as noted, it functions as a proper name.
Concepts related to the underlying meaning of "haste" or "speed" are prevalent throughout the Hebrew Bible, often in contexts of divine action (e.g., God's swift judgment or deliverance), human obedience or disobedience, or the urgency of a message. However, the proper noun Hushim does not explicitly participate in these broader conceptual fields. Its primary connection is to the ancient Near Eastern practice of naming children with words that might reflect hopes, circumstances, or characteristics, even if those meanings are not elaborated in the narrative. The meticulous recording of names and lineages, even those with seemingly obscure meanings, underscores the importance of tribal identity and historical continuity in ancient Israel.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חוּשִׁים (Hushim) is primarily indirect, stemming from its presence within the meticulously preserved genealogies of the Hebrew Bible.
1. **Divine Sovereignty in Genealogy**: The inclusion of names like Hushim, even with minimal narrative context, highlights God's sovereign oversight of human history and lineage. Every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned, is part of God's overarching plan, particularly in the tracing of the covenant line that would eventually lead to the Messiah. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the divine hand in the unfolding of salvation history.
2. **The Significance of Names**: While the etymological meaning "hasters" does not carry explicit theological weight for these specific individuals, it reminds us that names in the biblical world often held deep meaning. This practice reflects the belief that identity and destiny could be encapsulated in a name, pointing to the profound theological significance of names given by God (e.g., Abraham, Israel) or names that reveal divine attributes (e.g., Immanuel).
3. **Inclusion and Continuity**: The presence of Hushim in both the patriarchal and tribal genealogies (Dan and Benjamin) emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant with Israel. Even seemingly minor figures contribute to the grand tapestry of God's redemptive work, ensuring the preservation of the chosen people through whom His promises would be fulfilled. Their very existence, as recorded, testifies to God's faithfulness across generations.
### Summary
חוּשִׁים (Chûwshîym), or Hushim `{{H2366}}`, is a Hebrew proper noun derived from the root "to hasten," meaning "hasters." Despite its plural form, it consistently refers to a singular individual in the biblical text. It is found in three distinct genealogical contexts: as the son of Dan [[Genesis 46:23]], as a male Benjamite [[1 Chronicles 7:12]], and as a female Benjamite wife of Shaharaim [[1 Chronicles 8:8]], [[1 Chronicles 8:11]]. The etymological meaning of "hasters" is not elaborated in the biblical narrative concerning these individuals, serving primarily as a linguistic curiosity for a proper name. The theological significance of Hushim lies not in any specific action or character trait attributed to these figures, but rather in their inclusion within the divinely preserved genealogies, which underscore God's sovereignty over history, the significance of names in ancient Israel, and the continuity of His covenant plan through generations.
TRV