עַטְרוֹת שׁוֹפָן (at.rot sho.phan)

at.rot sho.phan

Atroth-shophan

H5855 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

N:N--L

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N--L

Word Overview

The name Atroth-shophan translates to "crowns of their rapine" or "plundered crowns." It designates a specific town located in the territory of Gad, east of the Jordan River. The lexicon data confirms this is a proper noun for a place rather than a common descriptive term.

Its occurrence is extremely rare, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible within Numbers 32:35 as part of the list of fortified cities assigned to the Reubenites and Gadites. The etymology suggests a historical memory of conflict or conquest, implying that the location was once a site where royal insignia were seized from enemies.

While the word עַטְרָה (atarah) generally means crown or wreath, its combination with שֹׁפָן (shophan), meaning rapine or plunder, creates a unique toponym. This single reference serves as a geographical marker in the tribal allotments rather than offering broader theological insight.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Atroth-shophan appears only once in Scripture, listed among the fortified cities given to the tribes of Reuben and Gad (Numbers 32:35). Its name, meaning "crowns of plunder," points to a time when this place was captured and its royal treasures seized. This single mention serves as a geographical marker rather than a theological lesson.

For your faith, this rare word reminds us that God’s promises are grounded in real history. The tribes received their inheritance after years of conflict, showing that God fulfills His word even through difficult circumstances. We can trust that He guides our steps just as He guided those ancient settlements.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Shophan1×
Atroth1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

שׁוֹפָ֛ן1×
עַטְרֹ֥ת1×

Key Verses

Numbers 32:35
Atroth-shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah,

This verse lists Atroth-shophan as one of the fortified cities assigned to the Gadites, confirming its role as a physical location in tribal history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Atroth-shophan mean?

The name translates to "crowns of their rapine" or "plundered crowns." It combines the word for crown (atarah) with a term for plunder, suggesting the city was once a site where royal insignia were seized from enemies.

Where does Atroth-shophan appear in the Bible?

It appears only once, in Numbers 32:35. It is listed as one of the fortified cities assigned to the tribe of Gad, east of the Jordan River.

Is there a deeper spiritual meaning behind this word?

The text uses it primarily as a geographical marker in the tribal allotments. While its name hints at past conflict, the verse itself focuses on the fulfillment of God’s promise to give land to these tribes.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Numbers 1 verse

Numbers 32:35

Atroth-shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah,