Lexical Summary Shaashgaz: Shaashgaz Original Word: שַׁעַשְׁגַּז Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shaashgaz Of Persian derivation; Shaashgaz, a eunuch of Xerxes -- Shaashgaz. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition a Pers. eunuch NASB Translation Shaashgaz (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שַׁעַשְׁגַּז noun masculine person Esther 2:14, Γαι. Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Shaashgaz (Strong’s Hebrew 8190) appears once in Scripture as a proper name of Persian origin, designating an official in the royal court of Ahasuerus (Xerxes I). Historical Context During the fifth century BC, the Persian Empire administered its vast territories through a complex bureaucratic structure that included a royal harem supervised by trusted eunuchs. These men, rendered incapable of producing heirs, were entrusted with intimate access to the king’s wives and concubines. Shaashgaz held responsibility for the “second harem,” a residence for women who had already spent one night with the king but had not been chosen as queen. Role in the Book of Esther Shaashgaz surfaces in the narrative immediately after Esther’s audience with the king. After each woman’s evening visit, “in the morning she would return to a second harem in custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the concubines” (Esther 2:14). His custodianship functioned as an administrative checkpoint, ensuring that only those whom the king specifically recalled by name could re-enter his presence. Although a minor character, Shaashgaz represents the orderly machinery that God’s providence co-opts to elevate Esther to her strategic royal position. Implications for Biblical Theology 1. Providence within Secular Structures — Shaashgaz’s task illustrates how God directs events even through non-covenantal agents. The meticulous court protocol underscores the improbability of Esther’s ascent apart from divine orchestration (Esther 4:14). Lessons for Ministry • Faithfulness in Routine — Shaashgaz carried out administrative duties that appear mundane, yet those very routines formed part of God’s larger redemptive plan (Colossians 3:23-24). Related References and Thematic Links • Other court officials: Hegai (Esther 2:3), Hege (Esther 2:8). Forms and Transliterations שַֽׁעֲשְׁגַ֛ז שעשגז ša‘ăšḡaz ša·‘ăš·ḡaz shaashGazLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Esther 2:14 HEB: אֶל־ יַ֧ד שַֽׁעֲשְׁגַ֛ז סְרִ֥יס הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ NAS: to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's KJV: to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's INT: to the custody of Shaashgaz eunuch the king's 1 Occurrence |
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