שַׁמְגַּר (sham.gar)
sham.gar
Shamgar
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Shamgar, meaning "sword," identifies one of the earliest leaders of Israel listed in the book of Judges. He is recorded as the son of Anath and served as a judge during a period before the establishment of the monarchy. His mention appears only twice in Scripture, specifically in Judges 3:31 and 1 Samuel 12:11.
What makes Shamgar notable is the specific detail of his victory over the Philistines using an ox-goad, a simple farming tool, rather than a weapon of war. This account highlights how ordinary means were used to deliver the people, resulting in the defeat of six hundred enemies. The brevity of his record contrasts with the elaborate narratives surrounding later judges, focusing attention on the act of deliverance itself.
Translators consistently render his name as Shamgar, preserving the phonetic identity across English versions. The historical significance lies in his role as a precursor to the more famous judges who followed, demonstrating that leadership and rescue came from various sources within the community during this turbulent era.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shamgar means "sword," yet his story shows us that God often uses simple tools to bring about great change. In Judges, he is recorded as striking down six hundred Philistines with an ox-goad, a common farming implement. This detail reminds us that our effectiveness does not depend on having the best resources or the most impressive background.
Instead of relying on military might, Shamgar’s victory highlights how ordinary means can be used for deliverance. His brief mention in Scripture points to a time when leadership came from various sources within the community. We see that God values faithfulness and courage over status or strength.
This account encourages us to trust that God can work through whatever is in our hands. Whether we feel equipped or unsure, our role is to be available for rescue and justice. The focus remains on the act of deliverance itself, showing that God’s power is made complete in humble obedience.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Shamgar2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שַׁמְגַּ֤ר1×
- שַׁמְגַּ֣ר1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 3:31
After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who struck six hundred men of the Philistines with an ox goad. He also saved Israel.
This verse establishes Shamgar’s specific role as a deliverer who used an ox-goad to defeat six hundred Philistines, highlighting the use of ordinary means for rescue.
-
Judges 5:6
“In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied. The travelers walked through byways.
Here his name serves as a temporal marker in Deborah’s song, recalling a time when highways were unsafe and travelers had to take hidden paths due to conflict.