Shaaph, Son of Jahdai
Who was Shaaph, Son of Jahdai, 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 Egypt and Wilderness era. 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.
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 Egypt and Wilderness era.
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.
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 Egypt and Wilderness era. 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.
Family & Relationships
Parents
Caleb, Son of HezronFather1 Chronicles 2:47–50Stated
JahdaiFather1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
Shaaph, Son of JahdaiThis page
Hur of the Tribe of JudahBrother1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
Acsah, Daughter of Caleb ben HezronSister1 Chronicles 2:49Stated
ArdonBrother1 Chronicles 2:18Inferred
Reconstructed through Caleb: 1 Chronicles 2:49 ties Shaaph to Caleb; 1 Chronicles 2:18 ties Caleb to Ardon (itself an inferred link). No verse states the brother link between Shaaph and Ardon directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:18
Ephah, Son of JahdaiBrother1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
Gazez, Grandson of CalebBrother1 Chronicles 2:46Inferred
Reconstructed through Caleb and Moza: 1 Chronicles 2:49 ties Shaaph to Caleb; 1 Chronicles 2:46 ties Caleb to Moza; 1 Chronicles 2:46 ties Moza to Gazez. No verse states the brother link between Shaaph and Gazez directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:46
GeshanBrother1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
Haran, Son of CalebBrother1 Chronicles 2:46Stated
JesherBrother1 Chronicles 2:18Inferred
Reconstructed through Caleb: 1 Chronicles 2:18 ties Jesher to Caleb (itself an inferred link); 1 Chronicles 2:49 ties Caleb to Shaaph. No verse states the brother link between Jesher and Shaaph directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:18
Jotham, Son of JahdaiBrother1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
Mesha, Son of CalebBrother1 Chronicles 2:42–47Stated
Moza, Son of CalebBrother1 Chronicles 2:46Stated
Pelet, Son of JahdaiBrother1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
RegemBrother1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
Shaaph, Son of CalebBrother1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
SheberBrother1 Chronicles 2:46Stated
ShevaBrother1 Chronicles 2:49Stated
Shobab, Son of CalebBrother1 Chronicles 2:18Inferred
Reconstructed through Caleb: 1 Chronicles 2:49 ties Shaaph to Caleb; 1 Chronicles 2:18 ties Caleb to Shobab (itself an inferred link). No verse states the brother link between Shaaph and Shobab directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:18
TirhanahBrother1 Chronicles 2:47–48Stated
Connected Figures
Family
Father · 1 Chronicles 2:47–50
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.
Father · 1 Chronicles 2:47
A member of the tribe of Judah mentioned in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, known as the father of six sons.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:472 versespatriarchJudah
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:47
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.
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.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:18
A descendant of Judah through the line of Caleb and a member of the generation that experienced the transition from the Egyptian sojourn to the wilderness wanderings.
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.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:46
Gazez was a member of the tribe of Judah during the Egypt and Wilderness era, identified as the son of Haran and a descendant of Caleb.
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 2:4710 versesTribal leader or head of householdJudah
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:46
A member of the tribe of Judah, Haran was the son of Caleb and Ephah, and the father of Gazez during the period of Israel's growth.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:18
Jesher was a descendant of Judah and the first-named son of Caleb, son of Hezron, and his wife Azubah.
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 Egypt and Wilderness era.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:42–47
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 2:4210 versesProgenitorJudah
Mentions by Book
- 1 Chronicles11
Scripture References
All 11 indexed verses, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
1 Chronicles · 11
- 1 Chronicles 2:18Partial
Caleb son of Hezron had children by his wife Azubah and by Jerioth. These were the sons of Azubah: Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:19Partial
When Azubah died, Caleb married Ephrath, who bore to him Hur.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:42Partial
The sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel: Mesha his firstborn, who was the father of Ziph, and Mareshah his second son, who was the father of Hebron.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:43Partial
The sons of Hebron: Korah, Tappuah, Rekem, and Shema.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:44Partial
Shema was the father of Raham the father of Jorkeam, and Rekem was the father of Shammai.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:45Partial
The son of Shammai was Maon, and Maon was the father of Beth-zur.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:46Partial
Caleb’s concubine Ephah was the mother of Haran, Moza, and Gazez. Haran was the father of Gazez.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:47
The sons of Jahdai: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph.
- 1 Chronicles 2:48Partial
Caleb’s concubine Maacah was the mother of Sheber and Tirhanah.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:49
She was also the mother of Shaaph father of Madmannah, and of Sheva father of Machbenah and Gibea. Caleb’s daughter was Acsah.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:50Partial
These were the descendants of Caleb. The sons of Hur the firstborn of Ephrathah: Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim,
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
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.