שְׁפוֹ

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word Shᵉphôw, represented by H8195, is a proper name identifying an Idumaean individual. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses. The name is derived from a root meaning baldness and has an alternate spelling, Shephi.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H8195 appears exclusively within genealogical records. It is used to identify Shepho as one of the children of Shobal in the book of Genesis Genesis 36:23. This same lineage is repeated in a later account, where the name appears as Shephi, again listed as one of the sons of Shobal, solidifying his place in the historical record 1 Chronicles 1:40.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words appear alongside Shepho in these genealogical lists, establishing his familial context:

• H7732 Shôwbâl (overflowing): Listed as the father of Shepho in both genealogical accounts, establishing the direct lineage Genesis 36:23. Shobal is identified as an Edomite.
• H5935 ʻAlvân (lofty): Named as a brother of Shepho. He is called Alvan in Genesis and Alian in 1 Chronicles (Genesis 36:23, 1 Chronicles 1:40).
• H5858 ʻÊybâl (bare): Another individual listed as a brother of Shepho in the same lineage. This name is also used for a mountain in Palestine Genesis 36:23.
• H1121 bên (a son): This word, meaning son or children, is the term used to frame the genealogical lists where Shepho is found, as in "the children of Shobal" Genesis 36:23 and "The sons of Shobal" 1 Chronicles 1:40.

Theological Significance

The significance of H8195 is not found in abstract doctrine, but in its role within the meticulous preservation of lineage in the Old Testament.

• Genealogical Record: The inclusion of Shepho and his family in the genealogies of both Genesis and 1 Chronicles underscores the importance of historical and familial continuity in the biblical narrative. These lists document the ancestry of the Idumaeans.
• Historical Context: By being named as a son of Shobal Genesis 36:23, Shepho is placed within the broader lineage of the Horites who inhabited the land of Seir, providing a specific historical marker for this group Genesis 36:20.

Summary

In summary, H8195 is a specific proper name, Shepho or Shephi, whose importance lies in its contribution to the biblical genealogies. Its two appearances serve to identify an Idumaean individual and document his place within the family of Shobal. The word does not carry broader theological meaning but functions as a crucial piece of data, highlighting the scriptural emphasis on precise historical and ancestral records.