צוֹפַח
Tsophach, an Israelite
Definition
Tsophach is a proper name belonging to an Israelite from the tribe of Asher, mentioned in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles. He is identified as a son of Helem (1 Chronicles 7:35) and the father of a lineage that includes Suah, Harnepher, Shual, and others (1 Chronicles 7:36). The name appears only in this genealogical list, and no narrative actions or stories are associated with him. His inclusion serves to document the descendants of Asher, contributing to the chronicler's purpose of preserving Israel's tribal lineage and identity.
Biblical Usage
The word צוֹפַח (Tsôwphach) is used exclusively in the genealogical section of 1 Chronicles 7:35-36. It functions solely as a proper name for an individual within the tribe of Asher. There are no other contexts or patterns of usage; it appears only in these two consecutive verses as part of a list of names tracing family descent.
Etymology
The name Tsophach is derived from an unused Hebrew root (צוּף) meaning 'to expand' or 'to spread out,' suggesting connotations of breadth or abundance. This etymological background may imply that the name carried a hopeful meaning, perhaps related to prosperity or the expansion of one's family line, which is fitting for a name listed in a genealogy.
Semantic Range
While Tsophach himself is not a theologically significant figure, his inclusion in the biblical record underscores the importance of genealogy in the Old Testament. It highlights God's faithfulness in preserving the tribes of Israel, particularly the often-overlooked tribe of Asher, as part of his covenantal promises. Understanding such names enriches Bible reading by reminding us that every individual, even those merely listed, is part of God's larger story of redemption and community.
In ancient Israelite culture, names were often meaningful and reflected parental hopes or circumstances. A name like Tsophach, suggesting 'expansion,' might have been given with a desire for the child's future prosperity or the growth of the family line. Genealogies like the one in 1 Chronicles were vital for establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, and priestly lineage, functions far more central in that society than in most modern contexts.
Helem (H1987) — Tsophach's father, also listed in the Asherite genealogy. | Shual (H7777) — One of Tsophach's sons, continuing the familial line.
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 →