שִׁפְמִי (shiph.mi)
shiph.mi
Shiphmite
N:N--LGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG
Word Overview
The term shiphmi is a rare Hebrew adjective appearing only once in the Old Testament, specifically in 1 Chronicles 27:27. It functions as a gentilic, identifying an individual by their ancestral or geographic origin rather than describing a character trait or action. In this single instance, it designates Shimeah as the official overseer of the vineyards for King David’s kingdom.
Lexical sources suggest the word derives from the name Shiphmi or the place name Siphmoth, which some translations link to the idea of fruitfulness. This etymological connection is fitting given the context: the verse assigns this person the responsibility of managing agricultural production. The term essentially means "one from Shiphmi" or "the Shiphmite," serving as a precise administrative label within David’s detailed census and organizational records.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Shiphmite appears just once in Scripture, identifying Zabdi as the official overseer of King David’s vineyards (1 Chronicles 27:27). This rare term is a gentilic, meaning it marks a person by their origin rather than describing their character. In David’s highly organized kingdom, such labels helped assign clear responsibilities for managing agricultural resources.
For your faith journey, this detail reminds us that God values order and stewardship in every area of life. Even in administrative roles like overseeing vineyards, individuals are recognized by name and background. This shows that everyday work, when done faithfully, contributes to the broader well-being of the community. Your own contributions, however small they may seem, are part of a larger picture God is weaving together.
When you feel overlooked or unsure of your role, remember that Zabdi’s position was essential for the kingdom’s prosperity. God sees and honors those who serve with diligence in their specific assignments. Trust that He has placed you where you belong, using your unique gifts to support others and glorify Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Shiphmite1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/שִּׁפְמִֽי\׃\ \ס1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 27:27
Over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite. Over the increase of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite.
This verse uniquely uses Shiphmite to identify Zabdi as the official overseer of vineyard produce, highlighting how gentilics functioned in David’s administrative records.