Bible Dictionary
Shaphat
Shaphat was the name of a Simeonite spy, the father of Elisha, a Gadite, a royal official, and other men in Israel’s genealogical records.
Definition
Shaphat was the name of several men, including a Simeonite spy, the father of the prophet Elisha, a Gadite, a royal genealogical figure, and one of David’s chief herdsmen.
Biblical Usage
The Simeonite Shaphat, son of Hori, was one of the spies sent to search Canaan. Shaphat was also the father of Elisha and one of David’s herdsmen. Other bearers appear in the royal genealogy of Judah and among the Gadites.
Historical Background
The name means “judge.” The supplied material identifies several occurrences across Israel’s wilderness, royal, tribal, and Davidic records.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Judge. (1.) One of the spies. He represented the tribe of Simeon (Num. 13:5). (2.) The father of Elisha (1 Kings 19:16-19). (3.) One of David’s chief herdsmen (1 Chr. 27:29).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(judge). 1.The Simeonite spy, son of Hori. (Numbers 13:5) (B.C. 1490).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>sha'-fat (shaphat):iah, one of the 70 men whom Ezekiel saw, in his vision of the Temple, sacrificing to idols (Eze 8:11).</p><p>(1) The Simeonite spy (Nu 13:5, Saphat).</p><p>(2) The father of the prophet Elisha (1Ki 19:16; 2Ki 3:11, Septuagint Saphath).</p><p>(3) A name in the royal genealogy of Judah (1Ch 3:22).</p><p>(4) A Gadite (1Ch 5:12).</p><p>(5) One of David's herdsmen (1Ch 27:29).</p>