Original Word: סוּסִי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Cuwciy
Pronunciation: soo-see
Phonetic Spelling: (soo-see')
KJV: Susi
NASB: Susi
Word Origin: [from H5483 (סוּס סוּס - Horse)]

1. horse-like
2. Susi, an Israelite

Susi

From cuwc; horse-like; Susi, an Israelite -- Susi.

see HEBREW cuwc

Word Origin
from the same as sus
Definition
a Manassite
NASB Translation
Susi (1).

סוּסִי proper name, masculine (Gray^{Prop. N.92}); — a Manassite Numbers 13:11; ᵐ5 Σους(ε)ι; — but text dubious Nes^{Eg. 209} Di^{on the passage} (compare Gray^l.c.).

Biblical Appearance

Susi is named once in Scripture: “from the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi son of Susi” (Numbers 13:11). His mention is entirely genealogical, linking him to the twelve–spy mission that Moses commissioned at Kadesh-barnea.

Historical Setting

The single reference to Susi falls during Israel’s wilderness period, roughly a year after the Exodus. The nation, encamped on the threshold of Canaan, requested reconnaissance of the land (Numbers 13:1-3). Each tribe supplied one leading man; Manasseh’s representative was Gaddi, whose paternal lineage is preserved through the name Susi. The episode ended with ten spies, including Gaddi, discouraging the people and provoking divine judgment (Numbers 14:22-23).

Genealogical and Tribal Context

Susi belonged to the half-tribe of Manasseh descended from Joseph through Manasseh’s son Machir (Numbers 26:29). The genealogy underscores several truths:
• The tribes functioned as covenant units. By naming fathers, Scripture evaluates entire households within redemptive history.
• Manasseh’s later military valor (Joshua 17:1; Judges 5:14) contrasts with the unbelief displayed by its spy, showing how God’s purposes outlive individual failures.
• The inclusion of Susi’s name safeguards the accuracy of the tribal list, confirming that every leader was historically rooted.

Theological Emphasis

1. Accountability of Leadership. While Susi is not directly evaluated, his son’s role in spreading fear affected the whole nation (Numbers 14:1-4). Fathers are implied participants in the spiritual trajectory of their offspring (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Ephesians 6:4).
2. The Record of Names. Scripture’s practice of recording even minor figures like Susi affirms divine concern for individuals (Malachi 3:16) and reinforces the accuracy of biblical history (Luke 3:23-38).
3. Faith versus Sight. The larger narrative contrasts ten fearful spies with Caleb and Joshua’s faith. Susi’s household stands on the side that walked by sight. The name therefore becomes a marker warning future generations against unbelief (Hebrews 3:16-19).

Ministry Applications

• Parenthood and Discipleship: Ministers and parents today are reminded that the spiritual choices of children often trace back to home instruction and example. Intentional, Scripture-saturated upbringing counters cultural fear.
• Leadership Selection: Moses chose men “who were leaders in Israel” (Numbers 13:3). Churches must likewise appoint leaders of tested faith to guard congregations from discouraging reports.
• Remembering Forgotten Saints: Much kingdom work is done by people whose names appear briefly, if at all. Faithfulness is measured not by fame but by obedience (1 Corinthians 4:2).

Legacy in Redemptive History

Although Susi disappears from the biblical record, his placement within the Exodus saga helps knit together Israel’s tribal chronicles, validating the continuity that leads to Messiah’s advent through the wider Josephite line (Luke 3:30). His brief mention invites readers to heed the call to steadfast faith, lest they, like the generation of Numbers, fall short of the promised rest (Hebrews 4:1-2).

סוּסִֽי׃ סוסי׃ sū·sî suSi sūsîInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts