Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: The name "Shaphat" is derived from the Hebrew root "שָׁפַט" (shaphat), meaning "to judge" or "he has judged." This name reflects a common practice in ancient Israel of naming individuals with a reference to divine judgment or justice. Biblical References: 1. Shaphat, the Father of Elisha: Shaphat is most notably recognized as the father of Elisha, the prophet. Elisha was called by Elijah to be his successor while he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen. The account of this calling is found in 1 Kings 19:19: "So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him." This act signified the transfer of prophetic authority and the beginning of Elisha's ministry. 2. Shaphat, the Spy from the Tribe of Simeon: Another individual named Shaphat is mentioned in the context of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. Shaphat, the son of Hori, represented the tribe of Simeon. Numbers 13:5 states: "from the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat son of Hori." The mission of the spies was to assess the land and its inhabitants, but upon their return, ten of the spies, including Shaphat, gave a discouraging report, leading to the Israelites' prolonged wandering in the wilderness. 3. Shaphat, a Leader in David's Administration: In the administration of King David, a Shaphat is listed as one of the officials. 1 Chronicles 27:29 mentions him in the context of overseeing the herds that grazed in Sharon: "Shitrai the Sharonite was in charge of the herds grazing in Sharon, and Shaphat son of Adlai was in charge of the herds in the valleys." This role highlights the organized structure of David's kingdom and the importance of agricultural management. Historical and Theological Significance: The individuals named Shaphat in the Bible are associated with significant events and roles in Israel's history. As the father of Elisha, Shaphat is connected to the prophetic tradition and the continuation of Elijah's ministry, which played a crucial role in guiding the nation of Israel back to the worship of Yahweh. The Shaphat who was a spy represents a moment of testing and failure for the Israelites, as their lack of faith led to a delay in entering the Promised Land. The Shaphat in David's administration reflects the importance of leadership and stewardship in the kingdom, emphasizing the need for faithful service in various capacities. Cultural Context: The name Shaphat, meaning "he has judged," underscores the biblical theme of divine judgment and justice. In ancient Israel, names often carried significant meanings and were believed to reflect the character or destiny of the individual. The roles and actions of the various individuals named Shaphat illustrate the diverse ways in which God's purposes were worked out through His people, whether in prophetic ministry, national testing, or administrative leadership. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary ShaphatSmith's Bible Dictionary Shaphat(judge). 1.The Simeonite spy, son of Hori. (Numbers 13:5) (B.C. 1490).
ATS Bible Dictionary Shaphat1. The father of Elisha, 1 Kings 19:16. 2. A descendant of David, 1 Chronicles 3:22. 3. A chief herdsmen of David in Bashan, 1 Chronicles 27:29. Easton's Bible Dictionary Judge. (1.) One of the spies. He represented the tribe of Simeon (Numbers 13:5). (2.) The father of Elisha (1 Kings 19:16-19). (3.) One of David's chief herdsmen (1 Chronicles 27:29). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHAPHATsha'-fat (shaphat):iah, one of the 70 men whom Ezekiel saw, in his vision of the Temple, sacrificing to idols (Ezekiel 8:11). Strong's Hebrew 8202. Shaphat -- "he has judged," five Israelites... 8201, 8202. Shaphat. 8203 . "he has judged," five Israelites. Transliteration: Shaphat Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-fawt') Short Definition: Shaphat. ... /hebrew/8202.htm - 6k 8199. shaphat -- to judge, govern 5724. Adlay -- the father of Shaphat 4941. mishpat -- judgment 8201. shephet -- judgment 8200. shephat -- to judge 8203. Shephatyah -- "Yah has judged," the name of a number of Isr. 8204. Shiphtan -- "judgment," a prince of Ephraim 478. Elishaphat -- "God has judged," an Israelite 8196. shephot -- judgment, act of judgment Library God's Low Whisper The Call of Elisha There have Come to Me Ransomers from among the Saints, but None ... Elijah's Weakness, and Its Cube How Joram and Jehoshaphat Made an Expedition against the Moabites ... "What Doest Thou Here?" Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ... Divine Calls. How Joppa was Taken, and Tiberias Delivered Up. Answer to the Jewish Rabby's Letter. Thesaurus Shaphat (8 Occurrences)...SHAPHAT. sha'-fat (shaphat):iah, one of the 70 men whom Ezekiel saw, in his vision of the Temple, sacrificing to idols (Ezekiel 8:11). ...Shaphat (8 Occurrences). ... /s/shaphat.htm - 10k Eli'sha (52 Occurrences) Plead (64 Occurrences) Adlai (1 Occurrence) Hori (4 Occurrences) Valley (187 Occurrences) Jehoshaphat (79 Occurrences) Elisha (70 Occurrences) Shaphan (26 Occurrences) Eli'jah (93 Occurrences) Resources Who was King Jehu in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Shaphat (8 Occurrences)Numbers 13:5 1 Kings 19:16 1 Kings 19:19 2 Kings 3:11 2 Kings 6:31 1 Chronicles 3:22 1 Chronicles 5:12 1 Chronicles 27:29 Subtopics Shaphat: The Representative of the Tribe of Simeon Among the Spies Sent Into Canaan Related Terms |