### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term Çûwçîy (`{{H5485}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a masculine personal name. Its base definition indicates a derivation "from Çûwç" (`{{H5483}}`), meaning "horse." Thus, Çûwçîy is interpreted as "horse-like" or "of a horse," suggesting a connection to the animal's characteristics or perhaps an association with horses (e.g., a horseman, a breeder, or someone with a horse-related profession). As a personal name, its semantic range is limited to identifying a specific individual within the biblical narrative. The name likely conveyed attributes such as strength, speed, or nobility, qualities often associated with horses in the ancient world.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Çûwçîy (`{{H5485}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, serving to identify the lineage of one of the tribal leaders.
* [[Numbers 13:11]]: "Of the tribe of Joseph, namely, of the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi the son of Susi."
In this solitary occurrence, Susi is identified as the father of Gaddi, who represents the tribe of Manasseh among the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. The context is purely genealogical, establishing the identity and tribal affiliation of Gaddi. The name Çûwçîy itself does not carry any explicit narrative or theological weight beyond its function as a patronymic identifier within the detailed census and commissioning of the spies. It serves to anchor Gaddi within his specific family line and tribal structure, which was crucial for the organization and identity of ancient Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to Çûwçîy (`{{H5485}}`) is its root, Çûwç (`{{H5483}}`), meaning "horse." The horse was a significant animal in the ancient Near East, symbolizing power, warfare, and speed. While Çûwçîy itself does not directly refer to the animal but to a person named after it, the underlying concept of the horse brings to mind:
* **Strength and Power:** Horses were vital for military might, often mentioned in connection with chariots and cavalry (e.g., [[Exodus 14:9]], [[Psalm 20:7]]).
* **Swiftness and Agility:** Their speed was a prized attribute (e.g., [[Job 39:19-25]]).
* **Royal or Noble Status:** Owning and riding horses often indicated wealth and high social standing.
While these connotations are inherent in the root Çûwç, they are only indirectly associated with the proper name Çûwçîy. Other personal names in the Bible are also derived from animals or natural phenomena, reflecting the cultural practice of naming children based on desired qualities, physical characteristics, or familial associations. The concept of tribal lineage and the careful recording of ancestry (as seen in Numbers and other books) is also a key related concept, as Çûwçîy functions solely within this genealogical framework.
### Theological Significance
The direct theological significance of Çûwçîy (`{{H5485}}`) is limited due to its singular occurrence as a proper name within a genealogical list. It does not contribute to any specific theological doctrine or narrative theme. However, its presence, like that of many other names in the biblical genealogies, underscores several broader theological points:
* **Divine Providence in Detail:** God's meticulous record-keeping, even of seemingly minor figures, highlights His comprehensive knowledge and sovereign involvement in the lives of individuals and the history of His people. Every person, no matter how briefly mentioned, plays a role in God's overarching plan.
* **Importance of Lineage:** The precise identification of individuals through their fathers and tribes (e.g., "Gaddi the son of Susi, of the tribe of Manasseh") emphasizes the theological importance of lineage in Israel, particularly concerning the promises made to the patriarchs and the establishment of the twelve tribes as the foundation of God's covenant people.
* **Humanity as God's Agents:** Susi's son, Gaddi, was chosen as one of the spies, participating directly in a crucial moment in Israel's history. This reminds us that God works through ordinary people and their families to accomplish His purposes, even if their own names are not central to the grand narrative.
### Summary
Çûwçîy (`{{H5485}}`) is a Hebrew proper name, transliterated as Susi, meaning "horse-like" or "of a horse," derived from the word Çûwç (`{{H5483}}`). Its sole appearance in the biblical text is in [[Numbers 13:11]], where Susi is identified as the father of Gaddi, the representative from the tribe of Manasseh among the twelve spies sent into Canaan. As a proper name, its primary function is genealogical, establishing the lineage of Gaddi within the tribal structure of Israel. While the name itself carries no direct theological doctrine, its inclusion reflects the meticulous nature of biblical records and underscores the divine attention to individuals and their roles within God's unfolding plan for His covenant people. The implied qualities of "horse-like" strength or swiftness, while not explicitly stated in the text, might have been desirable attributes for an individual within the community.
TRV