מֻפִּים

Muppim, an Israelite

Definition

Muppim is a proper name referring to a descendant of Benjamin, listed among the sons of Benjamin who went to Egypt with Jacob (Genesis 46:21). The name appears only in this genealogical list. In the parallel list in Numbers 26:39, the name Shephupham (שְׁפוּפָם, H8197) is used, which is considered a variant or possibly a scribal variation of Muppim. As a personal name, it identifies a specific individual within the tribe of Benjamin during the patriarchal period.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exactly once in the Old Testament, in Genesis 46:21, within a genealogical list. It functions solely as a proper name to identify one of the sons of Benjamin. There are no other contextual uses or patterns, as it is a unique personal identifier in a family record.

Etymology

The name Muppim (מֻפִּים) is a plural form, apparently derived from the root נוּף (nûph, H5130), meaning 'to wave' or 'to move to and fro.' The plural ending may imply 'wavings.' It is compared to Shuppim (שֻׁפִּים, H8206), another Benjaminite name in 1 Chronicles 7:12, 15, which may share a similar linguistic root or concept.

Semantic Range

As a personal name from the patriarchal era, 'Muppim' reflects the common Israelite practice of using meaningful words or phrases for names, often related to circumstances of birth, divine attributes, or hopes. The meaning 'wavings' is obscure but may have held a specific significance to the family at the time. Its variant in other lists (Shephupham) illustrates the fluidity in the transmission of some ancient names within biblical genealogies.

Shephupham (Shephupham, H8197) — A variant name listed for the same individual in Numbers 26:39. Shuppim (Shuppim, H8206) — A similar-sounding name belonging to a different Benjaminite in later genealogies (1 Chronicles 7:12, 15).

Word Details

Scripture References