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Shavsha

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What is the meaning of Shavsha in the Bible?

Shavsha served as a scribe and state secretary during the reign of King David, holding a position that appears to have been established or formalized within David's administrative structure. His name suggests a non-Israelite origin, indicating he was likely a foreigner integrated into the royal court.

SIGNIFICANCE

Identifying Shavsha as a foreigner in a high-ranking administrative role demonstrates that David's government utilized merit and specific skills rather than ethnic lineage for key bureaucratic positions, reflecting a pragmatic approach to statecraft in the biblical narrative.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Shavsha reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Shavsha in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Shavsha clarify?

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

"Shavsha." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/shavsha/
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