מֻפִּים
𐤌𐤐𐤉𐤌
Mupim
H4649 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Proper noun designating an individual, 'Muppim,' listed as a descendant of Benjamin in genealogical registers; functions as a personal name within the tribal lists. Although the form is plural in appearance, it is conventionally used as a singular proper name.
Semantic Range
proper name (individual, Israelite from Benjamin); potentially, clan name or designation; no attested common noun or verb use
Root / Etymology
Derived from a root that is uncertain, but possibly connected to נוּף ('to wave') or to parallel forms like שֻׁפִּים (Shuppim), also a Benjaminitic name. The root נוּף means 'to wave, swing,' but its presence in personal names may suggest either a commemorative, symbolic association or an original nickname. However, the connection remains speculative, and the precise etymology of מֻפִּים as a proper name is uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The name מֻפִּים appears in genealogical records as one of the sons of Benjamin (Genesis 46:21, Numbers 26:39, 1 Chronicles 7:12, 1 Chronicles 8:5). Although grammatically plural in form, in context it refers to a single individual. The presence of similar names (e.g., שֻׁפִּים Shuppim) in Benjaminite genealogies suggests a possible pairing or pattern in tribal naming. The meaning or significance of the name is not explained in the biblical texts, and later translation traditions render it simply as a proper name, sometimes relating it to the idea of 'those who wave' due to folk etymology. English translations use 'Muppim,' but the name has no evident connection to ritual wavings or cultic practices. The use and prominence of such plural-form names in genealogies may reflect archaic naming customs or clan-level designations that later came to be perceived as individual names. No specific religious or ritual connotation is attached to the name in its biblical context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a plural apparently from נוּף; wavings; Muppim, an Israelite; Muppim. Compare שֻׁפִּים.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
נוף (n-w-p̄) — to wave, swing; uncertain in personal name usage
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H5130 | נוּף | your waving |
| H5131 | נוֹף | Prominent Height |
| H5299 | נָפָה | in upland of |
| H5317 | נֹפֶת | dripping honey |
| H8573 | תְּנוּפָה | the wave-presentation |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4649-01 |
מֻפִּ֥ים | mupim | HNp |
Muppim | Muppim | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4649-01 |
Genesis 46:21 | מֻפִּ֥ים | mupim | HNp |
Muppim | Muppim |