Bible Dictionary
Shaashgaz
Shaashgaz was a chamberlain of Ahasuerus, king of Persia, who kept the women in the second house of the royal harem. Esther was under his care before becoming queen.
Definition
Shaashgaz was a chamberlain, or chief eunuch, of Ahasuerus, king of Persia. He served as keeper of the second house of women in the royal harem.
Biblical Usage
Esther was under Shaashgaz’s charge before she became queen. He is named in the account of the women who were brought to the king after spending time in the second house.
Historical Background
The Septuagint gives a different form for the official’s name, and proposed explanations of the name vary. The supplied material does not regard its meaning as settled.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Servant of the beautiful, a chief eunuch in the second house of the harem of king Ahasuerus (Esther 2:14).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>sha-ash'-gaz (sha`ashgaz; Septuagint reads Gai, the same name it gives to the official referred to in Es 2:8,15; the name may go back to the Old Bactrian word Sasakshant, "one anxious to learn" (Scheft); most commentators suggest no explanation): A chamberlain of Ahasuerus, king of Persia; as keeper of "the second house of women," he had Esther under his charge (2:14).</p>