2 Samuel 20:25
New International Version
Sheva was secretary; Zadok and Abiathar were priests;

New Living Translation
Sheva was the court secretary. Zadok and Abiathar were the priests.

English Standard Version
and Sheva was secretary; and Zadok and Abiathar were priests;

Berean Standard Bible
Sheva was the scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were priests;

King James Bible
And Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:

New King James Version
Sheva was scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were the priests;

New American Standard Bible
and Sheva was scribe, and Zadok and Abiathar were priests;

NASB 1995
and Sheva was scribe, and Zadok and Abiathar were priests;

NASB 1977
and Sheva was scribe, and Zadok and Abiathar were priests;

Legacy Standard Bible
and Sheva was scribe, and Zadok and Abiathar were priests;

Amplified Bible
Sheva was the scribe; and Zadok and Abiathar were priests;

Christian Standard Bible
Sheva was court secretary; Zadok and Abiathar were priests;

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Sheva was court secretary; Zadok and Abiathar were priests;

American Standard Version
and Sheva was scribe; and Zadok and Abiathar were priests;

Contemporary English Version
Sheva was the secretary. Zadok and Abiathar were the priests.

English Revised Version
and Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were priests:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Sheva was the royal scribe. Zadok and Abiathar were priests.

Good News Translation
Sheva was the court secretary; Zadok and Abiathar were the priests,

International Standard Version
Sheva was secretary, Zadok and Abiathar were priests,

Majority Standard Bible
Sheva was the scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were priests;

NET Bible
Sheva was the scribe, and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests.

New Heart English Bible
and Shisha was scribe; and Zadok and Abiathar were priests;

Webster's Bible Translation
And Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:

World English Bible
Sheva was scribe, Zadok and Abiathar were priests,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Sheva [is] scribe, and Zadok and Abiathar [are] priests,

Young's Literal Translation
and Sheva is scribe, and Zadok and Abiathar are priests,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Sheva the scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar the priests.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Siva was scribe: and Sadoc and Abiathar, priests.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now Sheva was the scribe. And truly Zadok and Abiathar were the priests.

New American Bible
Shawsha was the scribe. Zadok and Abiathar were priests.

New Revised Standard Version
Sheva was secretary; Zadok and Abiathar were priests;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Sheriah was the scribe, and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Sharia the Scribe and Tsaduq and Abiathar the Priests
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and Sheva was scribe; and Zadok and Abiathar were priests;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Susa was scribe: and Sadoc and Abiathar were priests.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Sheba's Rebellion
24Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; 25Sheva was the scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were priests; 26and Ira the Jairite was David’s priest.…

Cross References
1 Kings 4:3
Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;

1 Chronicles 18:16
Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Shavsha was the scribe;

1 Chronicles 24:6
The scribe, Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded their names in the presence of the king and of the officers: Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar, and the heads of families of the priests and the Levites—one family being taken from Eleazar, and then one from Ithamar.

1 Chronicles 24:31
As their brothers the descendants of Aaron did, they also cast lots in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites—the family heads and their younger brothers alike.

1 Chronicles 6:8-10
Ahitub was the father of Zadok, Zadok was the father of Ahimaaz, / Ahimaaz was the father of Azariah, Azariah was the father of Johanan, / Johanan was the father of Azariah, who served as priest in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem,

1 Chronicles 6:50-53
These were the descendants of Aaron: Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son, / Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son, / Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son, ...

1 Chronicles 24:3
With the help of Eleazar’s descendant Zadok and Ithamar’s descendant Ahimelech, David divided them according to the offices of their service.

1 Chronicles 24:19
This was their appointed order for service when they entered the house of the LORD, according to the regulations prescribed for them by their forefather Aaron, as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded him.

1 Chronicles 24:31
As their brothers the descendants of Aaron did, they also cast lots in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites—the family heads and their younger brothers alike.

1 Chronicles 24:5
Thus they were divided by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants.

1 Chronicles 24:31
As their brothers the descendants of Aaron did, they also cast lots in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites—the family heads and their younger brothers alike.

1 Chronicles 24:6
The scribe, Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded their names in the presence of the king and of the officers: Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar, and the heads of families of the priests and the Levites—one family being taken from Eleazar, and then one from Ithamar.

1 Chronicles 24:31
As their brothers the descendants of Aaron did, they also cast lots in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites—the family heads and their younger brothers alike.

1 Chronicles 24:31
As their brothers the descendants of Aaron did, they also cast lots in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites—the family heads and their younger brothers alike.

1 Chronicles 24:31
As their brothers the descendants of Aaron did, they also cast lots in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites—the family heads and their younger brothers alike.


Treasury of Scripture

And Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:

Sheva

2 Samuel 8:17
And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;

1 Kings 4:4
And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the host: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:

1 Chronicles 18:16
And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Shavsha was scribe;

Shavsha

Jump to Previous
Abiathar Abi'athar Priests Scribe Secretary Sheva Zadok
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Abiathar Abi'athar Priests Scribe Secretary Sheva Zadok
2 Samuel 20
1. By occasion of the quarrel, Sheba rebels in Israel
3. David's ten concubines are put in confinement for life
4. Amasa, made captain over Judah, is slain by Joab
14. Joab pursues Sheba to Abel
16. A wise woman saves the city by Sheba's head
23. David's officers














Sheva was the scribe;
In ancient Israel, the role of a scribe was crucial for maintaining records, drafting official documents, and preserving sacred texts. Sheva, also known as Shavsha or Seraiah in other biblical passages, served as the royal scribe under King David. This position was one of significant authority and responsibility, as scribes were often involved in the administration of the kingdom and the communication of royal decrees. The role of a scribe is seen throughout the Bible, with Ezra being a notable example (Ezra 7:6). Scribes were instrumental in the transmission of the Scriptures, ensuring the accuracy and preservation of God's Word.

Zadok and Abiathar were priests;
Zadok and Abiathar served as priests during King David's reign, representing the religious leadership of Israel. Zadok, a descendant of Aaron through Eleazar, was a faithful priest who supported David during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15:24-29). Abiathar, from the line of Eli, initially served alongside Zadok but later supported Adonijah's claim to the throne, leading to his eventual removal by Solomon (1 Kings 2:26-27). The dual priesthood of Zadok and Abiathar reflects the complex religious and political dynamics of the time. The priesthood was central to Israel's worship and sacrificial system, as outlined in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 8-9). The mention of these priests highlights the continuity of the Levitical priesthood and its importance in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Sheva
Sheva is identified as the scribe, a significant administrative role in King David's court. The scribe was responsible for recording events, drafting official documents, and maintaining records, which was crucial for governance.

2. Zadok
Zadok was one of the priests during King David's reign. He was a descendant of Aaron and played a vital role in maintaining the spiritual and religious order in Israel. Zadok remained loyal to David during Absalom's rebellion.

3. Abiathar
Abiathar was another priest serving alongside Zadok. He was the son of Ahimelech and also a descendant of Aaron. Abiathar had a long history with David, having fled to him after the massacre of the priests at Nob.

4. David's Reign
This verse is set during the reign of King David, a period marked by both internal and external challenges, including rebellions and the consolidation of the kingdom.

5. The Kingdom of Israel
The context of this verse is the political and religious structure of the united kingdom of Israel under David's leadership, highlighting the importance of both civil and religious roles.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Order and Structure
The roles of Sheva, Zadok, and Abiathar highlight the necessity of organized leadership in both civil and religious spheres. Effective governance requires clear roles and responsibilities.

Faithfulness in Service
Zadok and Abiathar's loyalty to David during times of crisis exemplifies the importance of faithfulness and integrity in service to God and leaders.

The Role of Spiritual Leadership
The presence of priests in the administration underscores the integration of spiritual guidance in governance, reminding us of the need for spiritual discernment in leadership.

Legacy and Continuity
The mention of these figures points to the continuity of God's plan through generations, encouraging us to consider how our roles contribute to God's ongoing work.(25) Sheva.--This officer is called Seraiah in 2Samuel 8:17. Nearly all the officers mentioned here are the same as in 2Samuel 8:16-18, where see the Notes.

Verse 25. - Sheva. He is called Seraiah in 2 Samuel 8:17.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Sheva
וּשְׁוָ֖א (ū·šə·wā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7724: Sheva -- two Israelites

was the scribe;
סֹפֵ֑ר (sō·p̄êr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5608: To count, recount, relate

Zadok
וְצָד֥וֹק (wə·ṣā·ḏō·wq)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6659: Zadok -- the name of several Israelites

and Abiathar
וְאֶבְיָתָ֖ר (wə·’eḇ·yā·ṯār)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 54: Abiathar -- 'the great one is father', an Israelite priest

were priests;
כֹּהֲנִֽים׃ (kō·hă·nîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548: Priest


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OT History: 2 Samuel 20:25 And Sheva was scribe (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 20:24
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