Numbers 26:39
Of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites: of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites.
Original Language Analysis
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
the family
H4940
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
the family
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
2 of 6
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
הַשּֽׁוּפָמִ֑י
of the Shuphamites
H7781
הַשּֽׁוּפָמִ֑י
of the Shuphamites
Strong's:
H7781
Word #:
3 of 6
a shuphamite (collectively) or descendants of shephupham
Historical Context
These clans' relatively obscure status in Scripture contrasts with Bela's prominence (King Saul descended from Becorath, possibly Becher-related, 1 Samuel 9:1). Yet their inclusion ensured they received land in Benjamin's territory. Small clans often merged or were absorbed, but this census memorialized them at this crucial moment before Conquest.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the careful recording of minor clans like Shupham and Hupham encourage believers who feel insignificant in God's larger purposes?
- What does the 'serpent/protected' pairing teach about how God's covering enables His people to operate with wisdom and courage?
- How might textual variants in clan names remind us that God's covenant faithfulness transcends precise record-keeping and embraces real, messy families?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites: of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites—Shupham (שׁוּפָם, 'serpent' or 'bare/smooth') and Hupham (חוּפָם, 'protected/covered') appear only here and in Genesis 46:21 under variant spellings (Shephupham, Huppim). The textual variants suggest these were smaller clans or possibly merged lineages, reflecting the fluidity of tribal organization over 400 years.
The 'serpent' and 'protected' pairing creates theological tension—Benjamin's wolf-like ferocity (serpent-cunning) balanced by divine covering. This echoes Jacob's blessing that Benjamin 'dwells between his shoulders' (Deuteronomy 33:12), suggesting both vulnerability and special divine protection. These lesser-known clans remind us that census records preserve even minor lineages; every family matters in covenant accounting. The Shuphamites and Huphamites would inherit their portion just as surely as Bela's prominent clan.