### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma שְׁפוּפָם (Shᵉphûwphâm), also appearing as שְׁפוּפָן (Shᵉphûwphân) and שׁוּפָם (Shûphâm), functions primarily as a proper noun, identifying an individual and a family within the tribal structure of ancient Israel. Its base definition explicitly links it to the root of שְׁפִיפֹן (shᵉphîyphôn), meaning "serpent" or "adder," specifically a horned viper. Thus, the name carries an etymological sense of "serpent-like" or "belonging to a viper." While the etymology suggests a connection to serpentine characteristics, such as swiftness, cunning, or a coiled posture, the direct semantic range of H8197 in biblical usage is restricted to its role as a personal and clan name. It does not describe a literal serpent but identifies a human being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H8197 appears in two primary contexts within the Hebrew Bible, both within genealogical and census records:
1. **[[Numbers 26:49]]**: Here, the name appears as שׁוּפָם (Shûphâm), identifying a son of Benjamin, and subsequently, "the family of the Shuphamites" (הַשּׁוּפָמִי). This passage is part of the second census of the Israelites in the wilderness, detailing the fighting men of each tribe. The mention of Shupham and his family underscores the organized and enumerated nature of the tribes under divine command.
2. **[[1 Chronicles 8:5]]**: In this genealogical list of Benjamin's descendants, the name is rendered as וּשְׁפוּפָן (u-Shᵉphûwphân), listed among the sons of Bela, a son of Benjamin. This occurrence further solidifies the name's role in establishing the lineage and tribal identity of Benjamin's descendants.
In both instances, the name serves to identify a specific branch of the tribe of Benjamin, contributing to the meticulous record-keeping of Israel's families. The contexts are purely descriptive and genealogical, providing no further narrative or character development for the individual named Shephupham/Shupham.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct related word is `{{H8207}}` שְׁפִיפֹן (shᵉphîyphôn), which means "adder" or "horned viper." This is the explicit etymological root provided for H8197. The imagery associated with `{{H8207}}` includes a creature that lies in wait, often by the path, and strikes suddenly, as seen in Jacob's prophecy concerning Dan in [[Genesis 49:17]]. While Shephupham is from Benjamin, not Dan, the shared root highlights a potential symbolic resonance with serpentine qualities.
Other related concepts include:
* **Lineage and Genealogy**: As a proper noun in genealogical lists, H8197 is intrinsically linked to the concepts of family, tribal identity, and the meticulous recording of generations within Israel.
* **Tribe of Benjamin**: Shephupham/Shupham is identified as a key figure or progenitor within this specific tribe, connecting the name to the broader history and characteristics of Benjamin.
* **Covenantal Identity**: The inclusion of such names in the biblical record speaks to God's careful oversight and ordering of His covenant people.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, H8197 does not carry inherent theological doctrine. Its significance is primarily in its contribution to the grand narrative of Israel's formation and identity.
1. **Divine Order and Providence**: The meticulous recording of lineages, including that of Shephupham/Shupham, reflects God's providential ordering of His people. It underscores that every family and individual within Israel was known and accounted for by Yahweh, emphasizing the importance of community and lineage in the covenant.
2. **Continuity of God's Plan**: The inclusion of names like Shephupham in genealogical records demonstrates the unbroken continuity of God's plan through specific families, leading ultimately to the lineage of the Messiah. It affirms the historical grounding of God's covenant promises.
3. **Etymological Intrigue**: While the etymological link to "serpent-like" is notable, the biblical text offers no explicit theological commentary on this aspect concerning Shephupham. Unlike the symbolic use of serpents elsewhere (e.g., the brazen serpent in [[Numbers 21:8-9]], or the serpent in Eden in [[Genesis 3:1]]), the name Shephupham is not imbued with such theological weight. It may simply reflect a descriptive personal characteristic, a tribal totem from an earlier cultural context that was recontextualized within Israelite monotheism, or a name whose full significance is lost to us. It does not imply a negative connotation for the individual, as proper names often drew from a wide range of natural imagery.
### Summary
H8197, שְׁפוּפָם (Shᵉphûwphâm), also appearing as שְׁפוּפָן and שׁוּפָם, is a proper noun designating an Israelite individual and a family line within the tribe of Benjamin. Etymologically, the name means "serpent-like" or "viper-like," deriving from `{{H8207}}` (שְׁפִיפֹן), an "adder." Its biblical occurrences are found in genealogical and census lists ([[Numbers 26:49]], [[1 Chronicles 8:5]]), where it serves to establish tribal identity and lineage. Theologically, H8197 highlights God's meticulous ordering and knowledge of His covenant people, affirming the historical continuity of His plan through specific families. While its "serpent-like" etymology is intriguing, the biblical text does not elaborate on its specific symbolic or theological meaning for the individual named Shephupham, functioning primarily as an identifier within the sacred record of Israel.
TRV