King James Version
What Does Numbers 26:39 Mean?
“Of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites: of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites.”
Numbers 26:39 · KJV
Context
37
These are the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those that were numbered of them, thirty and two thousand and five hundred. These are the sons of Joseph after their families.
38
The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites:
39
Of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites: of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites.
40
And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the family of the Ardites: and of Naaman, the family of the Naamites.
41
These are the sons of Benjamin after their families: and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and six hundred.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryOf Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites: of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites—Shupham (שׁוּפָם, 'serpent' or 'bare/smooth') and Hupham (חוּפָם, 'protected/covered') appear only here and in Genesis 46:21 under variant spellings (Shephupham, Huppim). The textual variants suggest these were smaller clans or possibly merged lineages, reflecting the fluidity of tribal organization over 400 years.
The 'serpent' and 'protected' pairing creates theological tension—Benjamin's wolf-like ferocity (serpent-cunning) balanced by divine covering. This echoes Jacob's blessing that Benjamin 'dwells between his shoulders' (Deuteronomy 33:12), suggesting both vulnerability and special divine protection. These lesser-known clans remind us that census records preserve even minor lineages; every family matters in covenant accounting. The Shuphamites and Huphamites would inherit their portion just as surely as Bela's prominent clan.
The 'serpent' and 'protected' pairing creates theological tension—Benjamin's wolf-like ferocity (serpent-cunning) balanced by divine covering. This echoes Jacob's blessing that Benjamin 'dwells between his shoulders' (Deuteronomy 33:12), suggesting both vulnerability and special divine protection. These lesser-known clans remind us that census records preserve even minor lineages; every family matters in covenant accounting. The Shuphamites and Huphamites would inherit their portion just as surely as Bela's prominent clan.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
These clans' relatively obscure status in Scripture contrasts with Bela's prominence (King Saul descended from Becorath, possibly Becher-related, 1 Samuel 9:1). Yet their inclusion ensured they received land in Benjamin's territory. Small clans often merged or were absorbed, but this census memorialized them at this crucial moment before Conquest.
Reflection Questions
- How does the careful recording of minor clans like Shupham and Hupham encourage believers who feel insignificant in God's larger purposes?
- What does the 'serpent/protected' pairing teach about how God's covering enables His people to operate with wisdom and courage?
- How might textual variants in clan names remind us that God's covenant faithfulness transcends precise record-keeping and embraces real, messy families?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsמִשְׁפַּ֖חַת2 of 6
“the family”
H4940a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
הַשּֽׁוּפָמִ֑י3 of 6
“of the Shuphamites”
H7781a shuphamite (collectively) or descendants of shephupham
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת5 of 6
“the family”
H4940a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 26:39 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Numbers 26:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge