Sippai
TextsWhat is the meaning of Sippai in the Bible?
Sippai was a Gibeonite leader who, along with his brother, was executed by King David at Gibeah in accordance with Saul's earlier violation of the covenant made with the Gibeonites, as recorded in 2 Samuel 21:1-9.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Sippai clarifies the narrative context of David's reign, specifically illustrating the ancient Israelite concept of blood guilt and the political necessity of resolving ancestral conflicts to restore divine favor and social stability.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Sippai functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Sippai in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sippai clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
2 Samuel 21:1-9
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
"Sippai." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/sippai/