Shophan
שׁוֹפָן/SHOH-fan/
“Bareness; or possibly related to Shaphan”
Summary
A fortified town east of the Jordan, rebuilt by the tribe of Gad; likely an affix to distinguish a second Atroth.
☩Location
Shophan appears in the account of the towns rebuilt by the tribe of Gad in the Transjordan region. Most scholars believe it is not an independent place but rather an affix to the second Atroth mentioned in the passage, distinguishing it from another Atroth nearby. The combined name 'Atroth-Shophan' may mean 'crowns of the burrow' or 'crowns of bareness.'
Key verses:Numbers 32:35
Related Verses1 mention
Numbers· 1 verse
References
- 1.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Shophan," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shophan," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).