עַטְרוֹת שׁוֹפָן

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew name ʻAṭrôwth Shôwphân, represented by H5855, refers to a location in Palestine. It appears just 1 time in 1 verse of the Bible. The name itself means "crowns of Shophan" and is defined in a way that suggests it could be a single place, Atroth-Shophan, or potentially two distinct places, Atroth and Shophan.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The single biblical reference to H5855 is found in a list of place names. In the book of Numbers, it is recorded alongside other locations that were built or fortified by the tribe of Gad. The verse states, "And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah" Numbers 32:35. This specific mention serves as a geographical marker within the broader narrative of the settlement of the Israelite tribes east of the Jordan River.

Related Words & Concepts

The identity of H5855 is closely tied to the other towns listed with it in its only appearance:

• H3270 Yaʻăzêyr (helpful; Jaazer or Jazer, a place East of the Jordan): This location is frequently mentioned in connection with the tribe of Gad and the land of Gilead, noted as a place suitable for cattle Numbers 32:1. It appears alongside H5855 in the list of towns in Numbers 32:35.
• H3011 Yogbᵉhâh (hillock; Jogbehah, a place East of the Jordan): This town is also listed with H5855 in Numbers 32:35. It is later mentioned in the account of Gideon's pursuit of an enemy host, further establishing its location east of the Jordan Judges 8:11.

Theological Significance

The significance of H5855 is primarily geographical and historical, rather than theological.

• Geographical Marker: Its main purpose in the text is to pinpoint a specific location within the territory allotted to the Israelite tribes.
• Association with Gad: Being listed in Numbers 32:35, and given the context of neighboring towns like Jazer, H5855 is historically linked to the settlement of the tribe of Gad.
• A Singular Reference: The fact that it is mentioned only once makes it a unique and specific point of reference, highlighting the detailed nature of the territorial records in the book of Numbers.

Summary

In summary, H5855 is a unique place name whose sole function in the biblical text is to identify a location. Its singular appearance in Numbers 32:35 firmly associates it with its neighboring towns, Jaazer and Jogbehah, and situates it within the territory of the tribe of Gad. While its exact structure as one or two places is not specified, its role as a precise geographical reference in the history of Israel's settlement is clear.