### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H8195}}` שְׁפוֹ (Shᵉphôw), also appearing as שְׁפִי (Shᵉphî), primarily functions as a proper noun in the biblical text. Its base definition identifies it as the name of an Idumaean chief. Etymologically, the name is derived from the root שָׁפָה (shāp̄â), which conveys the sense of being "bare," "smooth," or "bald." This connection is further emphasized by its comparison to the related noun שְׁפִי (shᵉp̄î), which explicitly means "baldness" or a "bare, elevated place." Thus, while the word itself denotes a specific individual, its underlying semantic range points towards concepts of barrenness, smoothness, or exposedness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H8195}}` appears twice in the Old Testament, exclusively within genealogical lists pertaining to the descendants of Esau, the progenitor of the Edomites.
1. In [[Genesis 36:23]], Shepho is listed as one of the sons of Shobal, a Horite chief and grandson of Seir. The verse reads, "And these are the sons of Shobal: Alvan, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shepho, and Onam." This places him firmly within the lineage of the Horites, who were indigenous inhabitants of Seir (Edom) and later integrated into the Edomite nation.
2. The parallel account in [[1 Chronicles 1:40]] lists him as Shephi: "The sons of Shobal: Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. And the sons of Zibeon: Aiah, and Anah." The slight variation in spelling (Shepho vs. Shephi) reflects a common scribal practice or dialectal difference, yet refers to the same individual in the same genealogical context.
In both instances, the context is purely descriptive, serving to enumerate the lineage of Edomite chiefs. There is no narrative development or specific action attributed to Shepho/Shephi, indicating his primary significance is his place within the established genealogical record of the nations.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root שָׁפָה (shāp̄â), from which `{{H8195}}` is derived. This root signifies "to be bare," "to be smooth," or "to be bald." Another closely related noun is שְׁפִי (shᵉp̄î), which denotes "baldness" (e.g., [[Isaiah 15:2]]) or a "bare, high place" (e.g., [[Isaiah 41:18]]).
The concept of "baldness" in biblical thought can carry various connotations:
* **Mourning and Lamentation:** Often associated with shaving the head as a sign of grief or distress (e.g., [[Jeremiah 48:37]], [[Amos 8:10]]).
* **Humiliation or Shame:** As a consequence of judgment or defilement (e.g., [[Isaiah 3:24]]).
* **Ritual Purity/Leprosy:** Specific instructions regarding baldness in cases of skin disease (e.g., [[Leviticus 13:40-44]]).
* **Consecration:** The Nazirite vow involved not cutting hair, so baldness could be a contrast to this state of dedication (e.g., [[Numbers 6:5]]).
Given that `{{H8195}}` is a proper noun, these broader semantic connections to baldness are not directly applied to the character of Shepho but offer insight into the potential cultural or environmental associations that might have influenced the naming convention within the Edomite context, perhaps referencing the bare, rugged terrain of Edom or a characteristic of the individual.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun appearing exclusively in genealogical lists, the direct theological significance of Shepho is primarily tied to his role in establishing the comprehensive biblical record of nations. His inclusion underscores the meticulous nature of biblical historiography, which extends beyond the covenant people of Israel to encompass the lineages of surrounding nations.
The Edomites, descendants of Esau, represent a significant and often adversarial presence in Israel's history. The detailed listing of their chiefs and clans, including Shepho, highlights God's sovereign oversight of all peoples and His intricate plan that incorporates even those outside the direct line of the Abrahamic covenant. It demonstrates that the divine narrative of redemption unfolds within the broader context of human history, acknowledging the existence and development of other nations.
While the etymological root of Shepho (baldness/bareness) does not yield direct theological insights concerning the individual, it might subtly echo themes related to the barrenness of the Edomite land or the eventual desolation prophesied for Edom (e.g., [[Obadiah 1:18-21]]). However, such connections remain speculative and are not explicitly drawn in the biblical text regarding Shepho himself. His primary theological contribution lies in his presence within the divinely inspired record of Edomite origins, affirming God's knowledge and ordering of all human lineages.
### Summary
`{{H8195}}` שְׁפוֹ (Shᵉphôw), also rendered as שְׁפִי (Shᵉphî), is a Hebrew proper noun designating an Idumaean chief, a descendant of Esau through the Horite lineage. Its two biblical occurrences are found in the genealogies of [[Genesis 36:23]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:40]]. Etymologically, the name is derived from a root meaning "to be bare, smooth, or bald," connecting it to concepts of barrenness or exposedness. Despite this intriguing etymology, the biblical text provides no narrative details about Shepho beyond his inclusion in these crucial genealogical records. The theological significance of `{{H8195}}` lies in its contribution to the comprehensive biblical account of nations, particularly the Edomites, thereby illustrating God's sovereign knowledge and ordering of all human lineages within the grand tapestry of redemptive history.
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