The Hebrew word Shikmîy, represented by H7930, is a patronymic term meaning a Shikmite (collectively), or the descendants of Shekem. It appears 1 times across 1 unique verses 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 H7930 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.
Several related words provide the context for understanding H7930:
- H7928 Shekem (Shekem, the name of a Hivite and two Israelites): This is the proper name of the ancestor from whom the Shechemites H7930 are descended. Shechem is listed as one of the male children of Manasseh whose descendants were organized by their families Joshua 17:2.
- H4940 mishpâchâh (a family, i.e. circle of relatives... a tribe or people): This word specifies the type of group being identified. It is used directly with H7930 to form the phrase "the family of the Shechemites" Numbers 26:31, establishing the clan as a distinct genealogical unit.
- H844 ʼAsrîyʼêl (Asriel, the name of two Israelites): Asriel is listed alongside Shechem as a son of Manasseh Joshua 17:2. His descendants are counted in the same census verse as the Shechemites Numbers 26:31.
- H845 ʼAsriʼêlîy (an Asrielite (collectively) or descendant of Asriel): This is the corresponding patronymic for Asriel's descendants. Its use in the phrase "the family of the Asrielites" Numbers 26:31 immediately preceding the reference to the Shechemites shows a standardized pattern of clan identification.
The significance of H7930 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, H7930 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.
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