The Hebrew word Shûwphâmîy, represented by H7781, is a patronymic term meaning a Shuphamite or the descendants of Shephupham. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its specific function is to identify a particular family line collectively by the name of their ancestor.
The single biblical occurrence of H7781 is found within a census of the Israelite tribes. In Numbers 26:39, the text systematically lists the families within the tribe of Benjamin, stating, "Of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites." This usage precisely identifies the clan that descended from the individual named Shupham H8197, cementing their place within the national register of Israel.
Several related words provide context for the role of H7781 in defining lineage and family structure:
- H8197 Shᵉphûwphâm (Shephupham or Shephuphan, an Israelite): This is the proper name of the ancestor from whom the Shuphamites H7781 descend, as noted in Numbers 26:39 and 1 Chronicles 8:5.
- H2349 Chûwphâm (Hupham, an Israelite): Mentioned in the same verse as an alternate rendering of a name, it is used to identify a parallel family, "the family of the Huphamites" H2350, illustrating the consistent pattern of patronymic naming in the census Numbers 26:39.
- H4940 mishpâchâh (a family, circle of relatives, tribe or people): This word is used directly with H7781 to define it as "the family of the Shuphamites" Numbers 26:39. It signifies the foundational importance of family units, or kindreds, in the structure of the nation (Amos 3:2, Psalms 96:7).
The significance of H7781 is tied to the biblical emphasis on genealogical and covenantal identity.
- Genealogical Record: The term is a key component of the detailed census records, which were vital for establishing inheritance, tribal allotment, and the orderly structure of the nation.
- Family Identity: Using a patronymic like Shuphamite was a primary way to affirm a person's or group's belonging within the larger community of Israel. It connected the present generation directly to their ancestral roots.
- Covenantal Structure: The careful accounting of each family H4940, including the Shuphamites, underscores the belief that God's covenant was with a specific, named people, organized by their respective kindreds.
In summary, H7781 is a precise genealogical term rather than a word with broad theological application. As "Shuphamite," it functions to name a specific family clan descended from Shupham H8197. Its sole appearance in the census of Numbers 26:39 highlights the importance of lineage, family identity H4940, and administrative order within the nation of Israel.
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