The Hebrew word Mibsâm, represented by H4017, is a proper name meaning fragrant. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. The name is used to identify two different individuals in biblical genealogies: one a son of an Ishmaelite and the other an Israelite.
In the biblical narrative, H4017 functions as a genealogical marker. It first appears in the list of the twelve sons of Ishmael, where Mibsam is named alongside his brothers Nebajoth, Kedar, and Adbeel Genesis 25:13. This exact lineage is repeated in 1 Chronicles, again listing Mibsam as a son of Ishmael according to their generations 1 Chronicles 1:29. A different Mibsam is later mentioned in the genealogy of the tribe of Simeon as the son of Shallum 1 Chronicles 4:25.
Several related words help establish the context in which Mibsam is mentioned:
- H3458 Yishmâʻêʼl (God will hear; Jishmael): Mibsam is identified twice as one of the sons of Ishmael, whose descendants formed a prominent group Genesis 25:13.
- H7967 Shallûwm (Shallum, the name of fourteen Israelites): In a separate lineage, Mibsam is identified as the son of Shallum, placing him within an Israelite family line 1 Chronicles 4:25.
- H8435 tôwlᵉdâh (descent, i.e. family; (figuratively) history; birth, generations): Both mentions of Mibsam the Ishmaelite occur in passages explicitly defined as genealogical records, introduced as "These are their generations" (Genesis 25:13, 1 Chronicles 1:29).
- H1121 bên (a son): This word is essential for defining Mibsam's identity, as he is consistently referred to as the son of either Ishmael or Shallum 1 Chronicles 4:25.
The significance of H4017 lies entirely within its genealogical function, contributing to the biblical record in several ways:
- Historical Record: The name Mibsam serves as a data point in the preservation of family lines. Its inclusion in the "generations" H8435 of Ishmael is part of a deliberate effort to record the descent of nations Genesis 25:13.
- Distinct Lineages: The use of the name for both an Ishmaelite and an Israelite highlights its presence across different family groups descended from Abraham. He is listed as a son H1121 of Ishmael H3458 and also as a son H1121 of Shallum H7967.
- Preservation of Identity: The meticulous listing of names H8034, including Mibsam, underscores the importance of individual and tribal identity within the biblical narrative. The text is careful to list the sons of Ishmael "by their names" Genesis 25:13.
In summary, H4017 Mibsâm is not associated with any specific narrative actions but is crucial for its role in biblical genealogies. As a name meaning "fragrant," it marks individuals in the recorded lineages of both Ishmael and the tribe of Simeon. Its presence demonstrates the scriptural importance placed on documenting family history and preserving the "generations" that form the peoples of the biblical world.
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