חוּשִׁים (chu.shim)
chu.shim
Hushim
N:N-F-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-F-P
Word Overview
The name Hushim appears in Scripture as a personal identifier for two distinct individuals from different tribes and eras. In Genesis 46:23, it identifies a son of Dan who accompanied Jacob to Egypt, while Chronicles mentions women and men with this name among the descendants of Benjamin.
Linguistically, the name derives from a root meaning "to be swift" or "hasty." This etymology suggests a characteristic of speed or readiness, offering a glimpse into how ancient families might have named children to reflect perceived traits or hopes. The variation in spelling between Hushim and Shuham in Numbers 26:42 highlights the fluidity of transliteration in biblical genealogies.
Though these figures play no active narrative role, their inclusion in the tribal records underscores the importance of lineage in Israelite identity. The name serves as a marker of heritage, connecting later generations to their ancestors during pivotal moments like the migration to Egypt or the post-exilic restoration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hushim appears in Scripture as a marker of lineage rather than individual action. In Genesis, it identifies a son of Dan who joined Jacob’s family in Egypt. In Chronicles, it names a wife of Shaharaim and the mother of Abitub and Elpaal. These brief mentions remind us that God remembers every name in His record.
While we do not know their personal stories, their inclusion shows that heritage matters to God. He keeps track of families across generations. This offers comfort that no one is forgotten in His plan. Your own place in God’s family is secure, just as these names were preserved in the text.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hushim3×
- and/ from/ Hushim1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חוּשִׁ֥ים1×
- חֻשִֽׁים\׃1×
- חֻשִׁ֖ם1×
- וּ/מֵ/חֻשִׁ֛ים1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 46:23
The son of Dan: Hushim.
This verse identifies Hushim as a son of Dan, anchoring his identity within the tribal structure during the migration to Egypt.
-
I Chronicles 8:8
Shaharaim became the father of children in the field of Moab, after he had sent them away. Hushim and Baara were his wives.
Here Hushim is named as a wife of Shaharaim, showing how genealogical records preserved women’s roles in family lineage.
-
I Chronicles 8:11
By Hushim, he became the father of Abitub and Elpaal.
This occurrence links Hushim to the birth of Abitub and Elpaal, highlighting her role as a mother in the tribe of Benjamin.