שָׁפָט (sha.phat)
sha.phat
Shaphat
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Shaphat means "he has judged" or "judged." It is a straightforward Hebrew name that reflects a common biblical theme of divine justice. The word appears in several distinct contexts within Scripture, primarily identifying individuals rather than describing an action.
Notable bearers of this name include the son of Hori, one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout Canaan (Numbers 13:5). He is also the father of the prophet Elisha, who was plowing when Elijah called him. Additionally, a Shaphat appears in the genealogies as a descendant of Zerubbabel and another serves as a chief herdsman for King David.
While the verb shaphat is common in the Hebrew Bible for legal judgment, this specific name occurs only eight times. Its usage highlights the importance of justice and discernment in the lineage of Israel’s leaders and prophets, connecting figures from the wilderness period to the monarchy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shaphat carries the simple, weighty meaning of "he has judged." In Scripture, names often serve as prayers or declarations about a person's identity and destiny. This particular name reminds us that justice is not merely a legal concept but a divine attribute woven into the lives of God’s people.
When we encounter Shaphat in the biblical record, he appears in diverse roles—from a spy scouting the Promised Land to the father of the prophet Elisha. These connections show how God uses ordinary family lines and everyday work, like plowing fields, to raise up leaders who will speak truth and act with discernment.
For your own life, this word invites you to trust that God sees all things clearly. Just as Shaphat’s lineage produced prophets and servants of the king, your faithful obedience in small matters is part of a larger story where God brings order and justice. You can rest knowing that He judges with perfect fairness and grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Shaphat6×
- and/ Shaphat2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שָׁפָט֙2×
- שָׁפָ֖ט2×
- וְ/שָׁפָ֖ט2×
- שָׁפָ֛ט1×
- שָׁפָ֔ט1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 13:5
Of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori.
This verse identifies Shaphat as one of the twelve spies, linking the name directly to the critical moment of Israel's entry into the Promised Land.
-
I Kings 19:16
Anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi to be king over Israel; and anoint Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah to be prophet in your place.
God’s command to anoint Elisha, son of Shaphat, highlights how the father’s name and legacy prepare the way for prophetic ministry.
-
I Kings 19:19
So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth. Elijah went over to him and put his mantle on him.
The description of Elisha plowing with twelve yoke of oxen shows the ordinary, labor-intensive context from which God called a major prophet.
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II Kings 3:11
But Jehoshaphat said, “Isn’t there a prophet of Yahweh here, that we may inquire of Yahweh by him?” One of the king of Israel’s servants answered, “Elisha the son of Shaphat, who poured water on the hands of Elijah, is here.”
Jehoshaphat’s inquiry about Elisha demonstrates how the son of Shaphat became a recognized source of divine guidance for kings.