שׁוּחָמִי
a Shuchamite (collectively)
Definition
Shûwchâmîy is a patronymic noun meaning 'a Shuchamite,' referring collectively to the descendants of Shuham, who was a son of Dan (Genesis 46:23). In the biblical record, the Shuhamites are exclusively mentioned as one of the clans of the tribe of Dan, counted during the second census in the wilderness (Numbers 26:42-43). The term functions solely as an ethnic or tribal designation, identifying this specific family group within the larger tribal structure of Israel. No other distinct meanings or applications of the word appear in Scripture.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both occurrences found in the Book of Numbers (Numbers 26:42, 26:43). It appears in the context of a military census, listing the clans of the tribe of Dan. The usage is strictly genealogical and demographic, serving to document the family lines of Israel during their wilderness journey. There are no patterns of broader metaphorical or theological usage.
Etymology
The word derives as a patronymic from the proper name שׁוּחָם (Shûwchâm, H7748), meaning 'pit-digger' or possibly 'humbled.' The '-îy' suffix is a standard Hebrew ending indicating descent or belonging, thus 'Shûwchâmîy' means 'descendant(s) of Shuham.' It is formed similarly to other Israelite tribal names like 'Gershoni' (descendant of Gershon).
Semantic Range
In its original setting, this term identified a specific kinship group within the tribal society of ancient Israel. Tribal and clan identities were foundational to social organization, inheritance rights, and military mobilization. Being listed among the clans of Dan in the census affirmed the Shuhamites' place within the covenant community and their share in the tribal inheritance promised by God. Modern readers might overlook such lists, but they underscore God's faithfulness in preserving and numbering His people.
דָּנִי (Dânîy, H1839) — Refers to the broader tribe of Dan, whereas Shûwchâmîy specifies one clan within it.
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.
Full methodology & sources →