The Hebrew word Shikmîy, represented by H7930, is a patronymic term meaning a Shikmite (collectively), or the descendants of Shekem. It appears 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its sole function is to identify a specific family line by its founding ancestor, serving as a genealogical marker within the nation of Israel.
The single biblical use of Shikmîy is found in a census of the Israelite tribes recorded in the book of Numbers. In the accounting of the tribe of Manasseh, the text identifies one of the family groups as “the family of the Shechemites” Numbers 26:31. This entry appears alongside a parallel entry for the family of the Asrielites, demonstrating a systematic method of naming clans based on their patriarchal founders.
The significance of Shikmîy is tied to the biblical emphasis on genealogy and inheritance.
- Tribal Inheritance: The term's usage within the census in Numbers is directly linked to the allotment of the Promised Land. Identifying each family H4940, such as the Shechemites, was essential for ensuring that every clan received its rightful inheritance according to God's command.
- Genealogical Order: Patronymics like Shikmîy reflect the importance of patriarchal lineage in establishing social structure and identity in Israel. The meticulous records connect the nation's present back to its founding ancestors, like Shechem H7928.
- Corporate Identity: This term highlights that individuals were understood primarily as members of a larger family unit. The naming convention “Shechemites” defines a collective group bound by common ancestry, which was foundational to Israel's legal, social, and military organization.
In summary, Shikmîy is a precise genealogical identifier. While it appears only once, its context within a national census reveals its vital role in defining a specific family clan—the descendants of Shechem. It demonstrates the structured, orderly way in which Israel's lineage was tracked to maintain tribal identity and secure the covenantal promises of inheritance tied to each family.
