שִׁפְמִי

a Shiphmite or inhabitant of Shepham

Definition

The term 'Shiphmite' (שִׁפְמִי) is a gentilic noun identifying someone as an inhabitant of a place named Shepham. It functions as a geographical descriptor, specifically denoting a person's origin or association with that location. In the Bible, it appears only in 1 Chronicles 27:27, where it is used to identify Zabdi, an official in King David's administration who was responsible for the royal vineyards. The term carries no other distinct meanings or senses beyond this geographical identification.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 27:27. It is employed in a historical list of David's officials, specifying the regional origin of Zabdi, who oversaw the produce of the vineyards for the king's wine cellars. The usage is purely administrative and geographical, with no narrative or poetic context.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Hebrew root שְׁפָם (Shepham, H8221), which is a place name. The '-i' suffix (ִי) is a standard Hebrew gentilic ending, meaning 'of' or 'belonging to,' used to form demonyms (e.g., 'Israelite' from Israel). Thus, 'Shiphmite' literally means 'one from Shepham.' The exact location of Shepham is uncertain but is likely a town or region within ancient Israel.

Semantic Range

In the ancient Israelite context, identifying someone by their town of origin (e.g., 'the Bethlehemite,' 'the Shiphmite') was a common practice for establishing identity and social connection, especially in administrative records. It signified a person's local ties and, in lists like 1 Chronicles 27, helped organize the kingdom's bureaucracy by associating officials with specific regions or responsibilities. The mention underscores the detailed organization of David's kingdom.

patrial nouns with the '-i' suffix, e.g., יִשְׂרְאֵלִי (Yisre'eli, H3481) — an Israelite, from the nation; בֵּית הַלַּחְמִי (Beith hal-Lachmi, H1022) — a Bethlehemite, from Bethlehem.

Word Details

Scripture References