Lexical Summary Chupham: Hupham Original Word: חוּפָם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Hupham From the same as chowph; protection: Chupham, an Israelite -- Hupham. see HEBREW chowph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a Benjamite NASB Translation Hupham (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs חוּפָם proper name, masculine head of a Benjamite family Numbers 26:39, not in ᵐ5; (= חֻמִּים Genesis 46:21, compare also 1 Chronicles 7:12,15). Topical Lexicon Scriptural setting Hupham appears in the wilderness census recorded in Numbers 26, a list compiled near the end of Israel’s forty-year sojourn. Verse 39 reads, “from Shupham, the Shuphamite clan; from Hupham, the Huphamite clan” (Numbers 26:39). The context is the enumeration of Benjamin’s descendants who would soon receive an inheritance west of the Jordan. Relationship to the tribe of Benjamin The Benjaminite roll begins with Bela, Ashbel, and Ahiram and proceeds to Shupham and Hupham. Each name marks a distinct mishpachah (clan) that would supply soldiers, elders, and land-holders once Canaan was apportioned. Although the clan of Hupham is mentioned only here, its inclusion testifies that every stream of the tribe, no matter how small, was counted and would be represented in the promised land. The Benjaminites later settled in the hill country north of Jerusalem; the territory was strategically positioned between Judah and Ephraim, and men from these clans would one day serve as archers and slingers (Judges 20:15-16; 1 Chronicles 8:40). Comparison with parallel genealogies Genesis 46:21 lists the sons of Benjamin who went down to Egypt four centuries earlier: “Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim and Huppim and Ard.” The consonants behind Hupham (Numbers) correspond closely to the earlier “Huppim” (Genesis) and to “Huppim” in 1 Chronicles 7:12. The variations reflect the normal shift of sounds and spellings across time and dialect, yet the narrative unity remains intact. All three passages harmonize in affirming a single ancient family line that survived slavery, the exodus, and the wilderness in order to stand on the plains of Moab. Historical background of the wilderness census The second census (Numbers 26) served several purposes: Hupham’s inclusion underscores the covenant faithfulness of God. Not one clan that descended from Jacob was lost, fulfilling the promise given to Abraham concerning innumerable offspring (Genesis 22:17) and confirming the earlier pledge to Benjamin through Jacob’s blessing (Genesis 49:27). Lessons for ministry and faith 1. God values individuals and families. Even a clan that leaves no further narrative footprint is named and remembered in Scripture, reminding modern readers that every believer is known to the Lord (Luke 12:7). Connections to later biblical history Benjamin would eventually produce significant leaders—Ehud the judge (Judges 3:15), Saul the first king (1 Samuel 9:1-2), and the apostle Paul (Philippians 3:5). Each drew on the heritage and martial reputation of the tribe that Hupham helped to constitute. Though Scripture does not name a specific “Huphamite” hero, the clan’s presence in the muster roll contributed to the collective strength and legacy from which these later servants of God emerged. Application for contemporary readers Reading an obscure name like Hupham challenges modern Christians to take the whole canon seriously. Genealogies foster confidence in Scripture’s historical reliability and demonstrate that salvation history moves forward through real people in traceable lines. They also encourage believers in small or unnoticed ministries: if an entire clan with one recorded mention is honored in the inspired text, then quiet service done in faith today is likewise significant before God (Hebrews 6:10). Summary Hupham is a Benjamite ancestor named in the second wilderness census. Though mentioned only once, the clan bearing his name exemplifies divine faithfulness, the importance of covenant community, and the enduring worth of every individual in God’s redemptive plan. Forms and Transliterations לְחוּפָ֕ם לחופם lə·ḥū·p̄ām lechuFam ləḥūp̄āmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 26:39 HEB: מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַשּׁוּפָמִ֑י לְחוּפָ֕ם מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַחוּפָמִֽי׃ NAS: of the Shuphamites; of Hupham, the family KJV: of the Shuphamites: of Hupham, the family INT: the family of the Shuphamites of Hupham the family of the Huphamites 1 Occurrence |
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