from שׁוּחַ; humbly; Shucham, an Israelite; Shuham.
Transliteration:Shûwchâm
Pronunciation:shoo-khawm'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun Shucham (שׁוּחָם, `{{H7748}}`) is derived from the verbal root שׁוּחַ (shûach, `{{H7743}}`). This root carries the primary meaning of "to sink," "to bow down," "to be humbled," "to be brought low," or "to prostrate oneself." It often conveys a sense of submission, humility, or distress. As a personal name, Shucham likely embodies an adjectival or adverbial sense of its root, signifying "humbly," "one who is humbled," or "one who bows down." The base definition provided, "humbly," points directly to this core meaning, suggesting a characteristic or state associated with the person bearing the name. Its semantic range, while anchored in humility and lowliness, is largely confined to its function as an identifier for an individual within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Shucham (שׁוּחָם, `{{H7748}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both instances occurring within the genealogical records of the Book of Numbers.
* [[Numbers 26:42]]: "These are the sons of Dan according to their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites; these are the families of Dan according to their families."
* The identical verse, [[Numbers 26:42]], is the sole textual context for this name.
In this passage, Shucham is identified as a son of Dan, thereby establishing him as a patriarchal figure and the progenitor of one of the major clans within the tribe of Dan, known as the "Shuhamites" (שׁוּחָמִי, `{{H7749}}`). The context is the second census of the Israelites, conducted in the plains of Moab before their entry into Canaan. This census was vital for organizing the tribes and families for the impending distribution of the land. While the name itself, "humbly," carries a profound meaning, the biblical text offers no further narrative details about Shucham's life, character, or any events that might illuminate why he received this particular name. His significance is purely genealogical, serving to delineate a specific lineage within the tribe of Dan.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verbal root from which Shucham is derived: שׁוּחַ (shûach, `{{H7743}}`). This root is used in various contexts to describe:
* Physical prostration or bowing down, often in worship or supplication ([[Psalm 35:14]]).
* A state of being brought low, whether through distress, sorrow, or oppression ([[Psalm 42:6]], [[Psalm 107:39]]).
* A posture of humility or submission.
Directly related to Shucham is the collective noun שׁוּחָמִי (Shuhamites, `{{H7749}}`), which refers to the descendants who formed the family or clan originating from Shucham. Thematically, Shucham's name connects to broader biblical concepts of humility, meekness, and lowliness, often expressed through words like עָנָו (anav, `{{H6035}}`, humble/meek) and שָׁפַל (shaphal, `{{H8213}}`, to be low/humble). While there is no explicit narrative connecting Shucham to the practice of humility, his name implicitly aligns with these virtues central to biblical piety.
### Theological Significance
Though Shucham is a figure of limited narrative presence, his name and inclusion in the biblical record carry subtle theological weight.
* **Theological Implication of the Name:** In ancient Israel, names often held significant meaning, reflecting circumstances, hopes, or character. The name "Shucham" ("humbly") could signify a desired quality, a recognition of human dependence, or even a prophetic aspiration for the family line. It subtly points to humility as a virtue, a quality frequently lauded in the Scriptures as essential for a right relationship with God and others ([[Proverbs 3:34]], [[James 4:6]], [[1 Peter 5:5]]). God often exalts the humble and resists the proud.
* **Divine Order and Covenant Faithfulness:** Shucham's place within the meticulous census of Numbers 26 highlights God's sovereign care in ordering and preserving His people. Each family and lineage, even those without extensive narratives, contributes to the larger tapestry of Israel's history and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. The enumeration of the Shuhamites demonstrates God's faithfulness in maintaining the tribal structure necessary for the inheritance of the Promised Land.
* **The Unseen Contributions:** Shucham represents the countless individuals in biblical genealogies whose primary significance lies in their role as links in the chain of God's redemptive history. Their very existence and lineage are a testament to God's ongoing work, even if their personal stories remain untold.
### Summary
Shucham (שׁוּחָם, `{{H7748}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun derived from the root שׁוּחַ (shûach, `{{H7743}}`), meaning "to bow down" or "to be humbled." The name itself signifies "humbly" or "one who is humbled." Its biblical appearances are restricted to [[Numbers 26:42]], where Shucham is listed as a son of Dan and the progenitor of the Shuhamite family (שׁוּחָמִי, `{{H7749}}`) during the second census of Israel. While the text provides no narrative details about Shucham's life, his inclusion in this genealogical record underscores his foundational role in the lineage of the tribe of Dan. Theologically, the name "Shucham" serves as a quiet reminder of the biblical emphasis on humility as a virtue. His presence in the census further highlights God's meticulous ordering and preservation of His covenant people, demonstrating divine faithfulness in maintaining the continuity of Israel's tribal structure for the inheritance of the land.
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