עַטְרוֹת שׁוֹפָן
Atroth-Shophan, a place in Palestine
Definition
Atroth-Shophan is a place name mentioned only once in the Old Testament, referring to a town built by the tribe of Gad in the Transjordan region (Numbers 32:35). The name likely means 'crowns of Shophan' or 'crowns of the hidden one,' suggesting it may have been a prominent or fortified settlement, possibly named after a local geographical feature or a person. It is listed among other cities constructed by the Gadites as they settled the territory east of the Jordan River, following the conquest of the lands of Sihon and Og.
Biblical Usage
This proper noun is used only in Numbers 32:35, within a list of cities built by the Gadites. The context is the distribution of the conquered Transjordanian territories among the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Its single occurrence serves a geographical and historical purpose, documenting the fulfillment of God's promise of land and the tribe's obedience in settling it.
Etymology
The name is a compound of two elements: 'Atroth' (עֲטָרוֹת), from the root עטר ('atar), meaning 'to crown' or 'to surround,' and 'Shophan' (שׁוֹפָן), likely derived from the root שׁפן (shaphan), meaning 'to hide' or 'to conceal.' Thus, the name can be interpreted as 'crowns of Shophan,' where 'Shophan' might refer to a local hill, a person, or a quality (hidden). It is related to other place names beginning with 'Atroth,' such as Atroth-beth-joab (1 Chronicles 2:54).
Semantic Range
While the place itself is not theologically central, its mention underscores the theme of God's faithfulness in granting the promised land. The building and naming of cities like Atroth-Shophan by the Gadites (Numbers 32:34-36) represent the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel. Understanding this name enriches reading by highlighting how even obscure geographical details in the Bible often point to the historical reality of God's guidance and provision for His people.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, place names often described geographical features, commemorated events, or honored individuals. A name meaning 'crowns' might indicate a town situated on a hill or with defensive walls, while 'Shophan' could refer to a local chieftain or a hidden, protected location. This reflects a practice of using descriptive or possessive names to identify settlements, differing from modern, often arbitrary, place-naming conventions.
Atroth-beth-joab (ʻAṭrôwth Bêyth Yôʼâb, H5854) — Another place name beginning with 'Atroth,' associated with the tribe of Judah. Ataroth (ʻĂṭârôwth, H5852) — A more common place name meaning 'crowns,' found in multiple locations (e.g., Numbers 32:3, Joshua 16:2).
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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