Lexical Summary Shiph'iy: Shiphite Original Word: שִׁפְעִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shiphi From shepha'; copious; Shiphi, an Israelite -- Shiphi. see HEBREW shepha' Brown-Driver-Briggs שִׁפְעִי proper name, masculine in Simeon 1 Chronicles 4:37; Σεφει, ᵐ5L Σωφει. שׁפף (√of following). Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Derived from a Hebrew root that conveys “abundance” or “plenty,” the name Shephai (Shiphi) suggests fullness or bountiful provision. Even though he appears only once in Scripture, the connotation of his name harmonizes with the surrounding narrative in 1 Chronicles 4, which highlights the quest of the Simeonites for rich pastureland. Biblical Reference 1 Chronicles 4:37 – “Ziza son of Shiphi, son of Allon, son of Jedaiah, son of Shimri, son of Shemaiah.” Historical Context The Chronicler, writing after the exile, records the movements of the tribe of Simeon. Verses 34-43 describe a coalition of Simeonite leaders who, during the reign of Hezekiah, pushed southward to the vicinity of Gedor, dispossessing Hamite and Meunite inhabitants and securing “rich, good pasture” (verse 40). Shiphi belongs to the ancestral line that produced those leaders. His placement several generations before Hezekiah anchors the narrative historically, showing how God prepared a people to expand their territory at a strategic moment in Judah’s history. Genealogical Importance • Ancestor of Ziza, one of the named Simeonite chiefs who spearheaded the territorial expedition. Theological Significance 1. Divine Notice of the Obscure – Though Simeon was the smallest and least-recorded tribe (Genesis 49:5-7; Numbers 26:14), individuals like Shiphi receive mention, confirming that God values every member within His covenant community. Spiritual Lessons • Obscurity Is Not Insignificance – Shiphi’s single mention reminds believers that hidden service and faithfulness are still recorded in heaven’s annals. Ministry Applications 1. Genealogy as Discipleship – Local churches can encourage members to document testimonies and family faith stories, reinforcing identity and mission. Christological Reflection The name’s sense of “abundance” finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who declared, “I have come that they may have life, and have it in abundance” (John 10:10). Shiphi’s fleeting appearance thus whispers of the plentiful grace realized in the Savior, underscoring the unity of Scripture’s redemptive storyline. Forms and Transliterations שִׁפְעִ֧י שפעי shifI šip̄‘î šip̄·‘îLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 4:37 HEB: וְזִיזָ֨א בֶן־ שִׁפְעִ֧י בֶן־ אַלּ֛וֹן NAS: the son of Shiphi, the son KJV: the son of Shiphi, the son INT: Ziza the son of Shiphi the son of Allon 1 Occurrence |
    |