from שָׁפָה (compare שִׁפְחָה); a family, i.e. circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people; family, kind(-red).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mishpâchâh**, represented by `{{H4940}}`, denotes a **family** or **kindred**. It appears 301 times across 224 unique verses, illustrating its importance in defining social and spiritual relationships. Its meaning extends beyond a simple circle of relatives to figuratively describe a class, species, or even a tribe or people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4940}}` is used to structure Israelite society and to frame God's relationship with humanity. It is a key term in census and lineage, where the nation is organized "after their **families**, by the house of their fathers" [[Numbers 1:2]]. The term also carries a universal scope, as seen in God's promise that through Abraham's seed "shall all the **families** of the earth be blessed" [[Genesis 28:14]]. It can also be used figuratively to denote a "kind" or "class," as when the LORD appoints four **kinds** of judgment upon the people [[Jeremiah 15:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the social structure that `{{H4940}}` describes:
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): Often used in conjunction with `{{H4940}}`, this term refers to a household or family line, serving as a building block of the larger clan [[Numbers 1:2]].
* `{{H7626}}` **shêbeṭ** (tribe): This word typically signifies a larger grouping than a family, representing one of the major clans of Israel. It is sometimes listed alongside `{{H4940}}` to delineate social layers [[Deuteronomy 29:18]].
* `{{H1}}` **ʼâb** (father): As the head of the family, the father is the source of the family's identity. Lineage is traced through the "house of their **fathers**" within each family [[Exodus 6:14]].
* `{{H8435}}` **tôwlᵉdâh** (generations): This term refers to the history and descent of a family or people, providing the narrative context for the lineage traced "after their **families**" [[Genesis 10:32]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4940}}` is profound, as it is the primary unit through which God relates to His people.
* **Covenant and Election:** God's covenant is made with and through specific families. He refers to Israel as the "whole **family** which I brought up from the land of Egypt" [[Amos 3:1]] and declares Himself the "God of all the **families** of Israel" [[Jeremiah 31:1]].
* **Corporate Identity:** Blessings and curses are often applied to the family unit. The LORD promises to set His face against a man "and against his **family**" for idolatry [[Leviticus 20:5]], and in judgment, an "evil **family**" can be targeted [[Jeremiah 8:3]]. Conversely, God sets the poor on high and "maketh him **families** like a flock" [[Psalms 107:41]].
* **Universal Redemption:** The concept extends beyond Israel to encompass all humanity. The promise that "all **families** of the earth" will be blessed [[Genesis 12:3]] establishes a global scope for God's redemptive plan, a theme echoed in the Psalms where "all the kindreds of the nations shall worship" the LORD [[Psalms 22:27]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4940}}` is a crucial term that moves from the specific to the universal. It is the foundational unit for organizing society, tracing lineage, and establishing inheritance in ancient Israel. Theologically, it defines the primary entity with which God enters into covenant, executes judgment, and ultimately promises a blessing that will extend to all the kindreds of the earth.
TRV