חֻפִּים (chup.pim)
chup.pim
Huppim
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Chuppim, meaning "protected," identifies a specific member of the tribe of Benjamin during the era of the Exodus and wilderness wanderings. In the genealogies found in Genesis 46:21 and Numbers 26:39, he appears as a son of Benjamin, listing him among the brothers who formed the foundational families of this northern tribe.
Chronicles 7:12 presents a slightly different tradition, placing Chuppim as the son of Ir rather than directly of Benjamin. This variation suggests two distinct family lines or textual traditions within the Benjamite clan, both carrying the same significant name. The presence of this figure in multiple lists highlights the importance of tracking tribal heritage in biblical history.
While not a major narrative character, Chuppim’s inclusion in these records underscores the meticulous preservation of lineage. His name serves as a reminder that even lesser-known individuals were part of the larger story of Israel’s identity and survival in the ancient world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you read the long lists of names in Genesis or Chronicles, it is easy to feel disconnected from the story. These genealogies can seem like dry records of distant ancestors. Yet, the presence of Chuppim reminds us that God cares about every individual in the lineage of Israel. His name, meaning 'protected,' suggests a divine safeguarding over the tribal families.
This word highlights how God preserves history through specific people. Even those who do not have their own narrative chapters are part of the larger story of survival and identity. It encourages us to trust that our lives, too, are held securely within God's broader plan for His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Huppim2×
- for/ Huppim1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/חֻפִּ֣ים1×
- וְ/חֻפִּם֙1×
- וְ/חֻפִּ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 46:21
The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard.
This verse places Chuppim directly in the foundational list of Benjamin’s sons during the move to Egypt, showing his role in the tribe's survival.
-
I Chronicles 7:12
So were Shuppim, Huppim, the sons of Ir, Hushim, and the sons of Aher.
Here Chuppim appears as a son of Ir, offering a different genealogical tradition that highlights the complexity of tribal records.
-
I Chronicles 7:15
Machir took a wife of Huppim and Shuppim, whose sister’s name was Maacah. The name of the second was Zelophehad; and Zelophehad had daughters.
This reference links Chuppim to the family of Zelophehad, connecting him to later stories of inheritance and women's rights in Israel.