The Hebrew word shâphân, represented by H8227, is used for the coney, a species of rockrabbit. Appearing 34 times across 28 verses, the term is derived from a root meaning to hide, reflecting the animal's nature. Beyond its zoological reference, H8227 is also used as a significant proper name, Shaphan, identifying a key figure and his influential family in the history of Judah.
The KJV translation of H8227 as "coney" often leads to a misidentification with the rabbit. However, modern zoological consensus identifies the shâphân as the rock hyrax (Procavia capensis), a small, thick-set mammal native to the Middle East and Africa. This distinction is crucial as the hyrax, while superficially resembling a rodent or rabbit, is actually more closely related to the elephant, possessing unique anatomical features that set it apart. The animal's characteristic behavior of dwelling in rock crevices and cliffs, as noted in the wisdom literature, strongly reinforces its identification with the hyrax, whose Hebrew name aptly derives from a root signifying its propensity "to hide" or "to be concealed" within these natural fortresses.
In its biblical usage, H8227 appears in two distinct contexts. As an animal, the coney is mentioned in the dietary laws, where it is classified as unclean H2931 because it chews the cud but does not have a divided hoof (Leviticus 11:5, Deuteronomy 14:7). The wisdom literature portrays the conies H8227 as a "feeble folk" that wisely "make they their houses in the rocks" for safety Proverbs 30:26, a theme echoed in Psalms where the rocks are a refuge for them Psalms 104:18. As a person, Shaphan was a prominent scribe H5608 during King Josiah's reign who was instrumental in receiving and reading the newly found "book of the law" to the king 2 Kings 22:10. His sons and grandson also held important roles, influencing events surrounding the prophet Jeremiah and the Babylonian exile (Jeremiah 26:24, Jeremiah 29:3).
Beyond the initial discovery of the law and its reading, the influence of Shaphan and his family permeated critical junctures in Judah's final decades. His son Ahikam H8227 played a vital role in protecting the prophet Jeremiah from execution at the hands of the people and princes, demonstrating a consistent family alignment with prophetic counsel even when unpopular Jeremiah 26:24. This protective role extended through the family line, as Gedaliah H8227, Ahikam's son, was later appointed by the Babylonians as governor over the remnant in Judah, providing a measure of stability during the initial post-exilic period until his assassination 2 Kings 25:22, Jeremiah 39:14, Jeremiah 40:5, Jeremiah 40:9, Jeremiah 40:11, Jeremiah 41:2, Jeremiah 43:6. Furthermore, another son of Shaphan, Elasah H8227, was entrusted to carry Jeremiah's letter to the exiles in Babylon Jeremiah 29:3, and Gemariah H8227, also a son, provided his chamber for Baruch to publicly read Jeremiah's scroll, highlighting the family's continued commitment to the dissemination and preservation of God's word amidst national upheaval Jeremiah 36:10, Jeremiah 36:12.
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which H8227 is found:
- H2931 ṭâmêʼ (unclean): This term is used to legally define the coney H8227 in the Mosaic law. The animal is declared unclean H2931 and therefore forbidden as food for the Israelites Leviticus 11:5.
- H5608 çâphar (scribe): This word, which means to recount or enumerate, is the root for the title given to Shaphan. He is repeatedly identified as "Shaphan the scribe," linking his name to the official recording and preservation of texts 2 Kings 22:10.
- H5612 çêpher (book, scroll): The narrative of Shaphan is inseparable from the discovery of the book H5612 of the law. Hilkiah the priest gave the book to Shaphan, who then read it before the king, initiating a period of national reform 2 Kings 22:8.
- H8226 sâphan (to hide, conceal): This verb is often considered the root from which H8227 is derived, emphasizing the animal's natural instinct to seek refuge and concealment in rocky crevices. It also subtly connects to the idea of Shaphan the scribe, whose role involved the careful storage and preservation (hiding for safekeeping) of important texts, including the book of the law.
The theological weight of H8227 is demonstrated through both of its applications.
- Wisdom in Weakness: The coney is presented as a model of practical wisdom. Though described as a "feeble folk," its ability to find security in the rocks serves as a metaphor for finding refuge and strength in a firm foundation Proverbs 30:26.
- The Principle of Distinction: As an animal declared unclean H2931, the coney serves as a specific object lesson in God's command for Israel to distinguish between the holy and the profane, a central theme of the law Leviticus 11:5.
- Preservation of God's Word: The man Shaphan and his family played a pivotal role in the stewardship of scripture. Shaphan himself delivered the lost Book of the Law to King Josiah 2 Kings 22:10, while his descendants were later entrusted with protecting the prophet Jeremiah and his writings (Jeremiah 26:24, Jeremiah 36:10).
- Enduring Stewardship and Influence: The multi-generational engagement of Shaphan's family in pivotal national affairs underscores a theological theme of enduring stewardship. From Shaphan's initial role in the temple's repair and the law's rediscovery 2 Chronicles 34:8, to Ahikam's protection of Jeremiah Jeremiah 26:24, and Gedaliah's governorship 2 Kings 25:22, the family consistently exemplified faithfulness and a commitment to justice or order, even in the face of national decline and foreign domination. Their presence often served as a critical interface between divine instruction and human governance, demonstrating how faithful individuals can influence history through generations.
The Hebrew term H8227, shâphân, presents a rich duality in biblical discourse, denoting both a specific animal and a prominent family in Judah's history. As the "coney," identified zoologically as the rock hyrax, the word evokes an image of a small, seemingly vulnerable creature whose survival depends on its innate wisdom to seek refuge in the secure crags of the rocks, a lesson in prudent self-preservation for the "feeble folk" Proverbs 30:26, Psalms 104:18. Simultaneously, its classification as an unclean animal in the Mosaic law Leviticus 11:5, Deuteronomy 14:7 reinforced Israel's call to holiness and distinction, setting boundaries for their identity as a people set apart.
The human counterpart, Shaphan, the scribe, and his descendants, embody a profound narrative of faithful stewardship during a tumultuous era. Shaphan himself was instrumental in the rediscovery and public reading of the Book of the Law under King Josiah, initiating a significant religious reform 2 Kings 22:10. This commitment to God's word and the nation's well-being extended through his family: his son Ahikam protected Jeremiah from persecution Jeremiah 26:24, another son, Elasah, carried prophetic messages to the exiles Jeremiah 29:3, and his grandson Gedaliah was appointed governor over the remnant of Judah 2 Kings 25:22. These roles highlight a multi-generational legacy of leadership, often in direct service to the divine will or the nation's welfare, even amidst political turmoil and the onset of exile.
Thus, H8227 connects natural wisdom and divine law with the critical theme of faithful transmission and application of scripture. Whether through the humble yet wise hyrax or the influential family of scribes, the word ultimately points to the importance of seeking refuge, observing divine commands, and diligently preserving and living out God's word across generations.
TRV