Original Word: שָׁפָם
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Shapham
Pronunciation: shah-fahm'
Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-fawm')
KJV: Shapham
NASB: Shapham
Word Origin: [formed like H8221 (שְׁפָם - Shepham)]

1. baldly
2. Shapham, an Israelite

Shapham

Formed like Shpham; baldly; Shapham, an Israelite -- Shapham.

see HEBREW Shpham

Word Origin
from the same as Shepham
Definition
a Gadite
NASB Translation
Shapham (1).

שָׁפָם proper name, masculine in Gad 1 Chronicles 5:12; ᵐ5^B Σαβατ, A Σαφαμ, ᵐ5^L Σαφαν.

Name and Genealogical Context

Shapham appears once in Scripture, within the genealogy of the tribe of Reuben (1 Chronicles 5:12). The chronicler presents him immediately after Joel, identifying him as “the second,” which signals a recognized position of leadership in the tribal hierarchy. Genealogies in Chronicles are not mere archival lists; they underscore covenant continuity and the ordered transmission of spiritual and societal responsibilities within Israel.

Tribal Identity and Territorial Inheritance

Reuben, although Jacob’s firstborn, forfeited pre-eminence through moral failure (Genesis 49:3–4). Even so, his descendants maintained defined territories east of the Jordan. The verse that names Shapham is set against the backdrop of Bashan, land known for its fertile pastures (Deuteronomy 32:14). Leadership figures like Shapham served as stewards of both pastureland and people, safeguarding the tribe’s God-given inheritance.

Historical Setting in Chronicles

Chronicles was compiled after the exile to affirm Israel’s identity and hope. By preserving the memory of leaders such as Shapham, the chronicler demonstrated that every level of tribal administration—chief and “second”—was part of the Lord’s providential ordering. This structure prepared the tribes to rally when threatened, as described later in the chapter when the eastern tribes wage war and “were helped in fighting them, and God delivered the Hagrites and all their allies into their hands, because they cried out to Him during the battle” (1 Chronicles 5:20).

Theological Themes

1. Covenant Faithfulness: Shapham’s placement in the genealogy testifies that God keeps covenant with entire tribes, not just the most famous individuals.
2. Ordered Leadership: Scripture values clearly defined layers of authority. Shapham’s rank as second conveys both accountability to the chief and responsibility for the community.
3. Redemption of the Firstborn’s Line: Though Reuben lost the birthright, God still supplied capable leaders among his descendants, illustrating mercy intertwined with discipline.

Practical Ministry Lessons

• The influence of secondary leaders is indispensable. Modern ministry often depends on those who, like Shapham, stand “second” yet bear weighty obligations.
• Serve faithfully even when history records only your name. Shapham’s single mention models quiet steadfastness that God deems worthy of eternal record.
• Leadership succession should be intentional. The Reubenite structure anticipates Paul’s exhortation: “The things you have heard from me … entrust to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

Intertextual Links and Legacy

While Shapham is not cited elsewhere, his appearance resonates with the pattern of paired leaders—Moses and Aaron, Joshua and Caleb, Paul and Silas—demonstrating that God frequently advances His purposes through collaborative leadership. Thus Shapham’s brief biblical footprint reinforces the broader scriptural witness that every role, seen or unseen, contributes to the unfolding account of redemption.

וְשָׁפָ֖ם ושפם veshaFam wə·šā·p̄ām wəšāp̄āmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts