שְׁפַטְיָהוּ (she.phat.yah)
she.phat.yah
Shephatiah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Shephatiah, meaning "Yahweh has judged," appears twelve times in the Hebrew Bible. It is not a common personal name but rather a marker for several distinct individuals across different eras of Israel’s history. The sources identify at least eight separate men bearing this title, ranging from royal princes to exiles returning from Babylon.
One notable figure is the fifth son of King David and Abital (2 Samuel 3:4). Another appears in the genealogies of Judah as a descendant of Mahalaleel. The name also surfaces among the leaders who returned with Zerubbabel, highlighting its persistence through generations of restoration after exile.
A particularly dramatic instance occurs in Jeremiah 38:1, where Shephatiah, son of Mattan, is listed among the officials who urged King Zedekiah to put the prophet Jeremiah to death. This usage underscores how names can link ordinary citizens to pivotal moments of political and spiritual conflict.
By appearing in both royal lineages and post-exilic records, Shephatiah illustrates the continuity of Israel’s identity. The name itself serves as a theological statement, affirming that divine judgment is an active force throughout history, whether in the courts of kings or the rebuilding of communities.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shephatiah carries a simple but powerful meaning: "Yahweh has judged." In the Hebrew Bible, this name belongs to several distinct individuals, from royal princes to ordinary citizens living in exile. This variety shows that God’s sovereignty is not limited to kings or prophets; it extends into the lives of everyday people and their families.
When we read about figures like Shephatiah, son of Mattan, who stood against Jeremiah, or those who returned from Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem, we see how names anchor us in history. These individuals were part of a larger story where divine judgment and mercy worked together. Their lives remind us that God is active in every generation, guiding His people through both crisis and restoration.
For your faith, this word invites trust in God’s ultimate justice. Whether you are facing uncertainty or rebuilding after loss, remember that the same Lord who guided Israel’s ancestors is with you today. His judgments are fair, and His promises remain steadfast for all who seek Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Shephatiah11×
- and/ Shephatiah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שְׁפַטְיָ֔ה4×
- שְׁפַטְיָ֣ה3×
- שְׁפַטְיָ֥ה2×
- שְׁפַטְיָ֖הוּ1×
- שְׁפַטְיָ֖ה1×
- וּ/שְׁפַטְיָ֑הוּ1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 3:4
and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
This verse identifies Shephatiah as a son of David, showing the name's presence in the royal lineage and its connection to God's covenant promises.
-
Jeremiah 38:1
Shephatiah the son of Mattan, Gedaliah the son of Pashhur, Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur the son of Malchijah heard the words that Jeremiah spoke to all the people, saying,
Here, Shephatiah son of Mattan opposes Jeremiah, illustrating how ordinary officials could be drawn into pivotal spiritual conflicts.
-
Ezra 2:4
The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy-two.
The mention of the children of Shephatiah among those returning from exile highlights the name's role in the community's restoration and continuity.