Original Word: שִׁפְטָן
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Shiphtan
Pronunciation: shif-TAHN
Phonetic Spelling: (shif-tawn')
KJV: Shiphtan
NASB: Shiphtan
Word Origin: [from H8199 (שָׁפַט - judge)]

1. judge-like
2. Shiphtan, an Israelite

Shiphtan

From shaphat; judge-like; Shiphtan, an Israelite -- Shiphtan.

see HEBREW shaphat

Word Origin
from shaphat
Definition
"judgment," a prince of Ephraim
NASB Translation
Shiphtan (1).

שִׁפְטָן proper name, masculine (judgment); — prince of Ephraim Numbers 34:24; Σαβαθα(ν), ᵐ5^L Σαφαταν.

I. שְׁפִי see I. שׁפה. II. שְׁפִי see שְׁפוֺ below I. שׁפה.

שֻׁמִּים see שׁפף.

Scriptural Profile

Shiphtan appears once in the canonical text, Numbers 34:24, where he is identified as the father of Kemuel, the appointed leader from the tribe of Ephraim who helped oversee the apportioning of Canaan. “Of the tribe of the children of Ephraim, a leader, Kemuel the son of Shiphtan” (Numbers 34:24).

Tribal and Covenant Setting

1. Placement within Ephraim: Shiphtan’s family line roots him in one of the most prominent tribes descending from Joseph (Genesis 48:17-20). Ephraim’s subsequent stature in Israel’s history underscores the dignity conferred upon all who served its purposes.
2. Epoch of Transition: His only mention coincides with Israel’s transition from wilderness wandering to territorial settlement. The episode belongs to the broader covenant fulfillment promised to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21) and reiterated through Moses (Deuteronomy 1:8). In this unfolding, Shiphtan’s household becomes part of the machinery God uses to translate promise into possession.

The Role in Land Distribution

Numbers 34 lists twelve men, one from each tribe (excluding Levi), tasked with surveying and allocating the inheritance. While Shiphtan himself was not on the council, his son Kemuel represented Ephraim. The text’s deliberate inclusion of paternal lineage highlights several truths:
• Credibility of Households: The reliability of tribal leaders drew legitimacy from proven households, implying that Shiphtan’s character and reputation commended his son for national service.
• Inter-generational Stewardship: Land division ensured that each clan received its lot “according to their families” (Joshua 14:1-5). Shiphtan thus stands indirectly associated with securing an enduring portion for Ephraim, cementing his family’s legacy within Israel’s geography.

Implications for Leadership and Legacy

1. Quiet Influence: Scripture frequently names otherwise unknown parents of notable servants (e.g., 1 Samuel 1:1-2; 2 Timothy 1:5). Shiphtan’s brief appearance models how unsung faithfulness can shape public ministry in the next generation.
2. Covenant Continuity: Fathers contributed to covenant transmission not merely by instruction but by enabling their children’s obedience to divine commission. Moses himself stressed the duty to “teach them diligently to your children” (Deuteronomy 6:7). Shiphtan’s household exemplifies such obedience.
3. Collective Responsibility: The appointment of tribal heads underlines shared governance rather than autocracy. Ephraim’s interests were safeguarded through a representative whose credibility reflected his parentage.

Application for Believers

• Invest in Successors: Modern discipleship echoes Shiphtan’s silent yet consequential role. By nurturing character and biblical fidelity in the next generation, believers participate in advancing God’s redemptive program (3 John 4).
• Embrace Hidden Service: Much kingdom work occurs behind the scenes. Shiphtan reminds Christians that obscurity in the biblical record does not equate to insignificance before God (Hebrews 6:10).
• Value Corporate Inheritance: Just as Israel’s tribes received tangible allotments, the Church inherits spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14). Recognizing and defending that shared inheritance remains a collective duty.

Related Passages

Genesis 48:20 – Foundation of Ephraim’s prominence.

Numbers 34:17-29 – List of tribal representatives.

Joshua 14:1; 19:51 – Fulfillment of the allotment process.

Psalm 78:9-10 – Later reflection on Ephraim’s responsibility.

2 Timothy 2:2 – Transmission of ministry to faithful men.

Conclusion

Though Scripture records only Shiphtan’s name and paternal link to Kemuel, this brief notice illuminates principles of generational faithfulness, covenant participation, and the enduring influence of godly households in the unfolding plan of redemption.

שִׁפְטָֽן׃ שפטן׃ shifTan šip̄·ṭān šip̄ṭānInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts