### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Shûwthelach**, represented by `{{H7803}}`, refers to two distinct Israelite individuals within the tribe of Ephraim. Its meaning is "crash of breakage." The name appears 4 times in 4 unique verses, primarily within genealogical lists that establish the lineage and families of Ephraim.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name **Shuthelah** is used to trace a key lineage within the tribe of Ephraim. The first individual named **Shuthelah** is identified as a son of Ephraim [[1 Chronicles 7:20]] and the progenitor of the family of the **Shuthalhites** `{{H8364}}` [[Numbers 26:35]]. This establishes his role as a clan founder. A descendant, also named **Shuthelah**, is mentioned in a tragic account where he, his father Zabad, and his brothers were slain by the men of Gath [[1 Chronicles 7:21]]. This event occurred because they came down to take away the cattle of the men of Gath.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and lineage of Shuthelah:
* `{{H669}}` **ʼEphrayim** (double fruit; Ephrajim): **Shuthelah** is consistently listed as one of the sons of **Ephraim**, making him a direct descendant of Joseph and the head of a major family within that tribe [[Numbers 26:35]].
* `{{H8364}}` **Shuthalchîy** (a Shuthalchite (collectively) or descendants of Shuthelach): This is the patronymic name for the family founded by **Shuthelah**. The census in Numbers lists the **family** of the **Shuthalhites** as a distinct clan [[Numbers 26:35]].
* `{{H6197}}` **ʻÊrân** (watchful; Eran): Identified as the son of the first **Shuthelah**, **Eran** continued the lineage by founding the **family** of the **Eranites** `{{H6198}}` [[Numbers 26:36]].
* `{{H2026}}` **hârag** (to smite with deadly intent): This verb describes the fate of the second **Shuthelah** and his kinsmen, who were **slain** by the men of Gath [[1 Chronicles 7:21]].
* `{{H2066}}` **Zâbâd** (giver; Zabad): The father of the second **Shuthelah**. The account in 1 Chronicles lists **Zabad** his son, and **Shuthelah** his son, detailing the genealogy that led to the confrontation with the men of Gath [[1 Chronicles 7:21]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative importance of `{{H7803}}` is tied to the history and structure of the tribe of Ephraim.
* **Genealogical Foundation:** The name is crucial for mapping the tribe of Ephraim. The first **Shuthelah** is the head of one of the three primary families of Ephraim listed in the census, alongside Becher and Tahan [[Numbers 26:35]].
* **Family Proliferation:** The account demonstrates how patriarchal lines were recorded and how they formed distinct family units. The descendants of **Shuthelah** are noted as the **Shuthalhites**, and his son Eran is the head of the **Eranites**, showing generational expansion [[Numbers 26:36]].
* **Historical Conflict:** The record of the second **Shuthelah** provides a specific historical account of inter-tribal conflict. His death, along with his brothers, at the hands of the men of Gath over cattle illustrates the real-world dangers faced by the Israelites in that land [[1 Chronicles 7:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7803}}` is more than just a name in a list; it represents both the continuity and the perils of a prominent family in the tribe of Ephraim. The first **Shuthelah** is a foundational figure whose descendants are formally counted among the families of Israel. The second serves as a memorial to a violent historical event, preserving the story of a fatal conflict over possessions within the genealogical record itself.
TRV