שׁוּתֶלַח

שׁוּתֶלַח

Shuthelach, the name of two Israelites

Definition

Shuthelach is a proper name given to two different individuals in the Old Testament, both from the tribe of Ephraim. The first Shuthelach is listed as a son of Ephraim in the census of the second generation after the Exodus (Numbers 26:35-36). The second Shuthelach appears as a descendant of the first, the son of Zabad, in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 7:20-21). The name itself carries a probable meaning related to 'crash' or 'breakage,' but its primary biblical significance is genealogical, identifying specific members within the lineage of the important tribe of Ephraim.

Biblical Usage

The name Shuthelach is used exclusively in genealogical contexts within the Old Testament. It appears four times, recorded in the census list of the book of Numbers (Numbers 26:35-36) and in the extended genealogies of the Chronicler (1 Chronicles 7:20-21). Its usage follows a clear pattern of tracing the lineage and descendants of the tribe of Ephraim, one of the major tribes of Israel. There is no narrative or dialogue associated with the individuals bearing this name.

Etymology

The name Shuthelach (שׁוּתֶלַח) is likely a compound name. Scholars suggest it derives from the root שָׁאָה (shâ'âh, H7582), meaning 'to crash' or 'to make a din,' combined with a form related to תֶּלַח (telach, H8520), which may refer to a breach or breakage. Thus, the probable etymological meaning is 'crash of breakage' or 'noise of rupture.' This may symbolically denote vigor or a disruptive force, a not uncommon theme for Hebrew personal names.

Semantic Range

While the name Shuthelach itself is not theologically loaded, its presence is significant for understanding the biblical emphasis on genealogy and tribal identity. The meticulous recording of names like Shuthelach in both Numbers and Chronicles underscores God's faithfulness to the covenant promises made to the patriarchs, tracking the growth and continuity of the tribes, specifically the prominent tribe of Ephraim (Genesis 48:19-20). It reminds the reader that God works through specific families and historical lineages to fulfill His redemptive plan. In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried meaning, reflecting circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or perceived character. A name meaning 'crash of breakage' like Shuthelach might have been intended to convey strength or a formidable nature. Furthermore, the repetition of this name across generations highlights the cultural practice of naming children after ancestors, preserving family identity and honor within the tribal structure. Its exclusive use in official tribal records reflects the importance of documented lineage for land inheritance and social standing. Ephraim (ʼEphrayim, H669) — The tribal patriarch from whom Shuthelach descended. Zabad (Zâbâd, H2066) — The father of the second Shuthelach mentioned in Chronicles.

Word Details