7798. Shavsha
Lexical Summary
Shavsha: Shavsha

Original Word: שַׁוְשָׁא
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Shavsha'
Pronunciation: SHAV-shah
Phonetic Spelling: (shav-shaw')
KJV: Shavsha
NASB: Shavsha
Word Origin: [from H7797 (שׂוּשׂ שִׂישׂ - rejoice)]

1. joyful
2. Shavsha, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Shavsha

From suws; joyful; Shavsha, an Israelite -- Shavsha.

see HEBREW suws

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
an Isr., perhaps the same as NH8304
NASB Translation
Shavsha (1).

Topical Lexicon
Name and Variants

Shavsha appears once in the received Hebrew text (1 Chronicles 18:16). Parallel passages present the same individual under variant spellings—“Seraiah” (2 Samuel 8:17), “Sheva” (2 Samuel 20:25), and “Shisha” (1 Kings 4:3). These alternate forms reflect normal orthographic fluidity in ancient manuscripts while referring to a single historical person.

Biblical Setting

The record places Shavsha in the court of King David after decisive military victories that secured Israel’s borders (1 Chronicles 18:1-13). David then “reigned over all Israel, administering justice and righteousness for all his people” (1 Chronicles 18:14). The Chronicler lists key officials who enabled this godly governance: Joab over the army, Jehoshaphat as recorder, Zadok and Ahimelech as priests, Benaiah over the Cherethites and Pelethites, and “Shavsha was secretary” (1 Chronicles 18:16).

Role and Duties

1. Keeper of Royal Records – The secretary (scribe) maintained treaties, census data, taxation logs, military rosters, and legal decrees—documents essential for David’s orderly reign (compare Esther 3:12; Jeremiah 36:32 for later scribal functions).
2. Guardian of Covenant Faithfulness – By accurately preserving written law and royal edicts, the scribe helped ensure that national policies conformed to the Mosaic covenant (Deuteronomy 17:18-19).
3. Liaison of Prophetic and Priestly Information – The placement of Shavsha between priests and military commanders suggests the scribe transmitted divine guidance recorded by prophets and interpreted by priests into governmental action.

Textual Correlations

2 Samuel 8:17 parallels 1 Chronicles 18:16 but uses “Seraiah.”
2 Samuel 20:25, in describing David’s later cabinet, lists “Sheva.”
1 Kings 4:3 notes “Shisha” whose sons served Solomon as secretaries, indicating a family line of scribal service that bridged the Davidic and Solomonic courts.

Such harmonies affirm scriptural coherence: the Chronicler, writing later, preserves the same historical reality under a spelling current in his era.

Theological and Ministry Reflections

• Stewardship of the Word – Shavsha’s discreet yet vital ministry illustrates how God uses administrative gifts to safeguard revelation. Faithful scribal work undergirds preaching, teaching, and worship.
• Order in Leadership – Scripture depicts no divide between spiritual and civic administration; both are spheres for obedient service. Shavsha’s competence partnered with Joab’s valor and Zadok’s priesthood to manifest comprehensive, righteous rule.
• Legacy for discipleship – Modern ministries benefit from accurate record-keeping, legal compliance, and historical documentation. Shavsha models diligence that allows future generations to trace God’s acts and promises.

Legacy in Redemptive History

The scribal office that Shavsha represents develops through the monarchy, the exile (Ezra 7:6), and into the New Testament era, where written testimony of Jesus Christ depends on meticulous copying traditions rooted in men like Shavsha. His single mention underscores a broader principle: every servant, seen or unseen, participates in the unfolding account that culminates in the Word made flesh (John 1:14).

Forms and Transliterations
וְשַׁוְשָׁ֖א ושושא veshavSha wə·šaw·šā wəšawšā
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
1 Chronicles 18:16
HEB: אֶבְיָתָ֖ר כֹּהֲנִ֑ים וְשַׁוְשָׁ֖א סוֹפֵֽר׃
NAS: [were] priests, and Shavsha [was] secretary;
KJV: [were] the priests; and Shavsha was scribe;
INT: of Abiathar priests and Shavsha was scribe

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 7798
1 Occurrence


wə·šaw·šā — 1 Occ.

7797
Top of Page
Top of Page