Lexical Summary saphan: Rock hyrax, coney Original Word: שָׂפַן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance treasure A primitive root; to conceal (as a valuable) -- treasure. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as saphan, q.v. Topical Lexicon Biblical Context “ ‘They will feast on the abundance of the seas and on the treasures hidden in the sand.’ ” (Deuteronomy 33:19). The expression rendered “treasures hidden” contains the solitary Old Testament use of שָׂפַן. Moses is pronouncing a prophetic blessing over Zebulun and Issachar. Both tribes are depicted as drawing wealth from sea trade and coastal sands, a promise that links God’s covenant faithfulness with the physical landscape of the land He is giving His people. Historical and Geographical Dimensions 1. Coastal Commerce: Zebulun’s territory touched the Mediterranean trade routes. Ancient nations valued the purple dye extracted from Murex shells found in coastal sands, and also coveted glass-making sand rich in silica. Such resources illustrate how the phrase could denote literal material hidden beneath the shoreline. Theological Significance 1. Providence in Unlikely Places: Sand is ordinary, yet within it God placed wealth. The motif underscores His sovereignty in reserving provision where human eyes see only common soil. Connections to Other Scriptural Themes • Hidden Manna (Revelation 2:17): God’s sustenance stored away for the faithful. These parallels invite believers to view שָׂפַן not merely as economic gain but as a whisper of deeper riches stored in Christ. Ministry Application 1. Encouragement to Stewardship: Just as Zebulun and Issachar were to labor in uncovering what God deposited, modern believers are called to diligent stewardship—identifying and developing the resources, gifts, and opportunities God has entrusted. Christological Echoes The One greater than Moses promises inexhaustible treasure: “in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). שָׂפַן anticipates Christ as the ultimate reservoir of hidden riches. The church, like Zebulun and Issachar, is invited to draw from those depths and distribute the bounty to the nations. Summary Strong’s Hebrew 8226 appears only once, yet its influence radiates through themes of provision, revelation, and cooperative obedience. Shining through Deuteronomy 33:19 is the assurance that God plants extraordinary riches within ordinary elements, calling His people to discover, steward, and share them for the glory of the One in whom every treasure is found. Forms and Transliterations וּשְׂפוּנֵ֖י ושפוני ū·śə·p̄ū·nê usefuNei ūśəp̄ūnêLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 33:19 HEB: יַמִּים֙ יִינָ֔קוּ וּשְׂפוּנֵ֖י טְמ֥וּנֵי חֽוֹל׃ KJV: of the seas, and [of] treasures hid INT: of the seas will draw and treasures and the hidden of the sand 1 Occurrence |