שְׁפוֹ, שְׁפִי (she.pho)
she.pho
Shepho
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Shepho (or Shephi) appears in only two verses of Scripture, serving as a brief marker in the genealogies of Edom found in Genesis 36:23 and 1 Chronicles 1:40. It identifies an individual who was the son of Shobal and a brother to Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, and Onam. These lists function primarily to trace the lineage of Esau’s descendants, placing Shepho within the broader historical context of the Edomite clans.
Lexical sources derive the name from a root meaning "bold" or "strong." This etymology suggests that names in this period often carried descriptive weight, reflecting perceived character traits or family hopes. While the text does not provide narrative details about Shepho’s life, the inclusion of his name preserves his place in the ancestral record, linking him to the sons of Seir and the wider Edomite nation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Genealogies often feel like dry lists of names, but they reveal a God who remembers every individual. Shepho appears in these records not because of dramatic deeds, but simply because he existed as part of Esau’s lineage. His inclusion shows that God’s historical record values each person within their family and community context.
The name itself suggests strength or boldness, reminding us that character traits can be passed down through generations. Even without a detailed story attached to his name, Shepho remains part of the ancestral tapestry that connects the sons of Seir to the wider Edomite nation. This preservation invites us to trust that God keeps track of His people across time.
When we read these lists, we see a faithful God who maintains order and memory. It encourages us to value our own place in the family of faith, knowing that every name has significance in God’s eyes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Shepho1×
- Shephi1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שְׁפִ֣י1×
- שְׁפ֖וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 36:23
These are the children of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.
This verse lists Shepho among Shobal's sons, establishing his position within the Edomite clan structure.
-
I Chronicles 1:40
The sons of Shobal: Alian, Manahath, Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. The sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah.
The chronicler repeats this lineage, confirming the continuity of Esau's descendants through generations.