Bible Dictionary
Ashpenaz
Ashpenaz was the chief official over the eunuchs in Nebuchadnezzar’s court. He was charged with supervising young Judean captives selected for service and education in Babylon.
Definition
Ashpenaz was the master of the eunuchs and a chief official in Nebuchadnezzar’s court. The king entrusted Judean captives and other royal youths to his supervision.
Biblical Usage
Ashpenaz was ordered to oversee the education of selected Israelites, including princes and descendants of Judah’s royal family, in the learning and language of the Chaldeans for service in the palace.
Historical Background
His position was comparable to that of a chief palace eunuch. The name was once considered Persian but is regarded in the supplied material as more probably Babylonian.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The master of the eunuchs of Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 1:3), the “Rabsaris” of the court. His position was similar to that of the Kislar-aga of the modern Turkish sultans.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(horse-nose), the master of the eunuchs of Nebuchadnezzar. (Daniel 1:3)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ash'-pe-naz ('ashpenaz): The master of the eunuchs of Nebuchadnezzar was an officer into whose hands the king entrusted those of the children of Israel, and of the princes, and of the seed of the king of Judah, whom he had carried captive to Babylon, that they might be taught the learning and tongue of the Chaldeans in order to serve in the king's palace. He is mentioned by name in Da 1:3 only. It used to be supposed that the name was Persian; but it now seems more probable that it is Babylonian. We would suggest Ashipu-Anu- Izzu, "the Aship-priest of Ann is mighty," as a possible form of the original.</p><p>R. Dick Wilson</p>