Jashen
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Jashen in the Bible?
Jashen appears in 2 Samuel 23:26 as the father of Eleazar, one of David's thirty mighty men, though textual variants in 1 Chronicles 11:34 suggest the name may originally have been Hashem.
SIGNIFICANCE
Examining the variant readings for Jashen and Hashem demonstrates how scribal transmission and textual criticism clarify the lineage of David's military leaders.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Jashen reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Jashen in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Jashen clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
2 Samuel 23:261 Chronicles 11:34
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Jashen." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/jashen/