שִׁפְטָן

שִׁפְטָן

Shiphtan, an Israelite

Definition

Shiphtan is a proper noun referring to an Israelite leader from the tribe of Ephraim. He is mentioned specifically as the father of Kemuel, who was appointed as a tribal leader to assist in the division of the Promised Land (Numbers 34:24). The name itself carries the meaning 'judge-like' or 'he has judged,' which may reflect a characteristic or hope associated with the individual. As a personal name, it does not have multiple senses or meanings across different biblical passages.

Biblical Usage

The word שִׁפְטָן (Shiphtan) is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in Numbers 34:24. Its usage is strictly as a proper name identifying the father of Kemuel, a prince of the tribe of Ephraim. The context is the listing of leaders chosen to oversee the distribution of the land of Canaan west of the Jordan River, following the instructions given by God to Moses.

Etymology

The name Shiphtan is derived from the Hebrew root שָׁפַט (shaphat, H8199), which means 'to judge,' 'to govern,' or 'to pronounce judgment.' It is formed with a common Hebrew nominal suffix, giving it the sense of 'judge-like' or possibly 'he has judged.' This root is prolific in the Old Testament, forming words related to leadership and justice, such as שֹׁפֵט (shofet, a judge) and מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat, judgment or justice).

Semantic Range

While the individual Shiphtan is a minor biblical figure, his inclusion highlights God's orderly and representative process for allocating the inheritance of Israel. The meaning of his name, connected to judgment (שׁפט), subtly reinforces the theme that the division of the land was an act of God's righteous governance and justice. Understanding the name reminds readers that even minor characters in the biblical narrative can point to God's character and his faithful administration of his promises. In ancient Israelite culture, names were often significant and descriptive, conveying hopes, characteristics, or circumstances. A name meaning 'judge-like' (Shiphtan) given to an individual whose son was a tribal leader suggests an association with leadership, wisdom, and justice. This reflects the high value placed on these qualities within the community, especially for those involved in governing and distributing the communal inheritance of the land. שָׁפַט (shaphat, H8199) — the root verb meaning 'to judge,' from which Shiphtan is derived. שֹׁפֵט (shofet, H8199) — a noun meaning 'judge' or 'ruler.'

Word Details