Shaaph, Son of Jahdai
Who was Shaaph in the Bible?
A descendant of Judah through the line of Caleb, identified as the son of Jahdai in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles.
This is one of 2 people named Shaaph in the Bible. See all 2 →
Shaaph was a member of the Tribe of Judah who lived during the era of the Divided Monarchy. He is recorded in the genealogical archives of the Hebrew Bible as one of the six sons of Jahdai. His lineage is deeply embedded within the family of Caleb, a prominent figure in the history of the southern kingdom of Judah.
While his historical footprint is limited to a single mention in the Book of Chronicles, Shaaph’s inclusion serves a vital role in establishing the post-exilic identity of the Judean people. By tracing his ancestry, the chronicler connects the contemporary community of the Divided Monarchy back to their patriarchal roots in the prestigious line of Hezron.
Background and Family
Shaaph, the son of Jahdai, appears in the expansive genealogical record of 1 Chronicles 2. His family history is situated within the broader context of the Tribe of Judah, specifically the branch originating from Caleb, the son of Hezron. According to the text, Shaaph was one of six brothers, which included Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, and Ephah.
This specific branch of the family—the sons of Jahdai—follows a complex sequence of lineage within the Calebite clan. The Chronicler provides these names to emphasize the continuity of the Davidic line and the preservation of the Judean tribal heritage during the tumultuous years of the Divided Monarchy.
Major Life Events
The biblical record does not preserve specific biographical events, military exploits, or public speeches for Shaaph. His contribution to the biblical narrative is purely genealogical. In the ancient Near Eastern context, being listed in such a register was a mark of legal standing, land rights, and tribal legitimacy. His existence represents the quiet, domestic continuity of the people of Judah amidst the shifting politics of the northern and southern kingdoms.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Shaaph is primarily defined by his relationship to his father, Jahdai, and his five brothers. His family ties link him to the broader Calebite family, which was one of the most influential groups within the Tribe of Judah. This connection places him in the same ancestral tradition as prominent figures like Caleb the spy and the early Judean settlers. The text also lists several other relatives within the same chapter, though scholars debate the exact generational transitions between the descendants of Caleb and the household of Jahdai.
Spiritual Significance
The theological significance of Shaaph lies in the doctrine of God’s providence over individuals. In the Chronicler’s view, every name recorded in the genealogy is a testimony to God’s faithfulness to the covenant made with Abraham and David. Shaaph is a reminder that even those who do not occupy the spotlight of prophetic or royal history are seen and recorded by God as part of the unfolding story of redemption.
Shaaph represents the preservation of the Judean identity during the Divided Monarchy. His inclusion in the genealogy ensures that the specific lineage of Jahdai is not lost to history, affirming the importance of every individual within the tribal structure of Israel. Theologically, he serves as a witness to the continuity of the covenant people through successive generations, demonstrating that God maintains a record of his people regardless of their individual fame or status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Shaaph's father?
Shaaph was the son of Jahdai, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 2:47.
Which tribe did Shaaph belong to?
Shaaph belonged to the Tribe of Judah, specifically within the Calebite clan.
How many brothers did Shaaph have?
Shaaph had five brothers named in the biblical text: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, and Ephah.
In which book of the Bible is Shaaph mentioned?
Shaaph is mentioned only in 1 Chronicles, specifically in chapter 2, verse 47.
What era did Shaaph live in?
Shaaph lived during the era of the Divided Monarchy, following the split of Israel and Judah.
Family & Relationships
Parents
Caleb, Son of HezronFather1 Chronicles 2:49Stated
Shaaph, Son of JahdaiThis page
Hur of the Tribe of JudahBrother1 Chronicles 2:19Stated
Achsah, Daughter of Caleb ben HezronSister1 Chronicles 2:49Stated
Ephah, Son of JahdaiBrother1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
GeshanBrother1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
Jotham, Son of JahdaiBrother1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
Mesha, Son of CalebBrother1 Chronicles 2:42Stated
Pelet, Son of JahdaiBrother1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
RegemBrother1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
SheberBrother1 Chronicles 2:48Stated
ShevaBrother1 Chronicles 2:49Stated
TirhanahBrother1 Chronicles 2:48Stated
Connected Figures
Family
Father · 1 Chronicles 2:49
A prominent descendant of Judah and son of Hezron, Caleb was a foundational figure in the genealogical expansion of the Tribe of Judah during the Egyptian and wilderness eras.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:910 versesClan Leader / Tribal PatriarchJudah
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:19
A prominent leader of the tribe of Judah who supported Moses' hands during the battle against Amalek and served as a temporary leader of Israel.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: Exodus 17:1012 versesTribal leader and judgeJudah
Sister · 1 Chronicles 2:49
A daughter of Caleb, son of Hezron, belonging to the tribe of Judah during the period of the Egyptian sojourn and the wilderness wanderings.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:491 versesMember of the Tribe of JudahJudah
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:47
Ephah was a member of the tribe of Judah mentioned in the genealogical records of Caleb, specifically listed as one of the six sons of Jahdai.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:471 versesTribal member of JudahJudah
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:47
A descendant of the tribe of Judah listed among the sons of Jahdai in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:471 versesTribal leader or head of householdJudah
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:47
A member of the tribe of Judah and descendant of Caleb, listed as the second son of Jahdai in the genealogical records of the Divided Monarchy period.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:471 versesTribal Member / LandownerJudah
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:42
Mesha was the firstborn son of Caleb ben Hezron within the tribe of Judah during the era of the Egyptian Sojourn and Wilderness.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:421 versesClan Leader and ProgenitorJudah
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:47
A descendant of Judah through the line of Caleb who is listed among the six sons of Jahdai in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:471 versesMember of the clan of CalebJudah
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:47
A member of the Tribe of Judah listed in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles during the Divided Monarchy era.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:471 versesTribal member / LandownerJudah
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:48
Sheber was a descendant of Judah through the line of Caleb and his concubine Maacah during the era of the Egyptian sojourn and the early wilderness period.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:481 versesMember of the Tribe of JudahJudah
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:49
A son of Caleb and his concubine Maacah within the tribe of Judah during the Egyptian sojourn and Wilderness era.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:491 versesTribal patriarch and clan founderJudah
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:48
A son of Caleb ben Hezron through his concubine Maacah, belonging to the tribe of Judah during the Egyptian sojourn and Wilderness era.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:481 versesMember of the household of CalebJudah
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 1 Chronicles1
Scripture References
All 1 indexed verse, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
1 Chronicles · 1
- 1 Chronicles 2:47
The sons of Jahdai: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph.
Others Named Shaaph
Compare all 2 bearers →Shaaph, Son of Caleb1 Chronicles 2:49
Shaaph was a descendant of Judah through the line of Caleb and the recognized progenitor of the inhabitants of Madmannah.