שׁוּחָמִי (shu.cha.mi)
shu.cha.mi
Shuhamite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The term shuhami identifies a member of the Shuhamite clan, a subgroup within the tribe of Dan during the Exodus era. It functions as an adjective or gentilic noun, derived from the personal name Shuham, who is recorded in Genesis 46:23 as one of the sons of Dan. The name itself carries the meaning "pit-digger," likely reflecting an occupation or characteristic associated with the ancestor.
This word appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in Numbers 26:42-43. These verses list the Shuhamites among the descendants of Dan during the second census in the wilderness. The text notes that this group is also referred to by the name Hushim, suggesting a close familial or tribal connection between the two designations within the larger Danite lineage.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shuhamite points to a specific family line within the tribe of Dan, recorded during Israel’s journey through the wilderness. It reminds us that God keeps detailed records of every individual and clan, even those with small numbers. In Numbers 26, the Shuhamites are counted alongside their relatives, showing that each group has a place in God’s larger plan for His people.
This word highlights the value of heritage and identity. Being part of a family or community matters to God. He knows your background and uses it for His purposes. Just as the Shuhamites were noted in the census, you are known by name. Your story is part of the unfolding narrative of faith that continues today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Shuhamite[s]2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/שּׁוּחָמִ֖י1×
- הַ/שּׁוּחָמִ֑י1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 26:42
These are the sons of Dan after their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan after their families.
This verse identifies the Shuhamites as a distinct family group descending from Shuham, establishing their lineage within the tribe of Dan.
-
Numbers 26:43
All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those who were counted of them, were sixty-four thousand four hundred.
This verse provides the specific count of the Shuhamite males, showing they were a recognized and numbered part of Israel’s census.