Shaaph, Son of Caleb
Who was Shaaph, Son of Caleb, in the Bible?
Shaaph was a descendant of Judah through the line of Caleb and the recognized progenitor of the inhabitants of Madmannah.
This is one of 2 people named Shaaph in the Bible. See all 2 →
Shaaph was a member of the Tribe of Judah, appearing in the post-exilic genealogical records of the book of Chronicles. He was a son of Caleb, the renowned spy who remained faithful to the LORD, born to Caleb’s concubine Maacah. As part of the expansive clan of Hezron, Shaaph represents a specific branch of the Calebite lineage that settled in the southern territories of Israel.
The biblical record identifies Shaaph primarily through his paternity and his role as a founder or leader of a specific locale. He is explicitly named as the 'father' of Madmannah, a term that in Hebrew genealogies often denotes the person whose descendants settled and populated a particular city or region.
Background and Family
Shaaph was born into the Tribe of Judah during the era spanning the late Egyptian sojourn and the transition into the wilderness period. His father was Caleb, the son of Hezron (often identified with Caleb the spy, son of Jephunneh, in broader tradition). His mother was Maacah, a concubine of Caleb. Within the complex familial structure of the Calebites, Shaaph was one of several children, sharing his heritage with siblings such as Sheva, Sheber, and Tirhanah.
The genealogical lists in 1 Chronicles 2 serve to establish the legal and territorial claims of the Judean families after the return from the Babylonian exile. By tracing Shaaph’s lineage back to Caleb and Hezron, the author of Chronicles validates the standing of Shaaph’s descendants within the covenant community of Israel.
Major Life Events
The biblical text does not record specific narrative events, dialogues, or actions performed by Shaaph. His inclusion in the scriptures is strictly genealogical. His primary historical contribution is the establishment of the line that settled Madmannah. In the context of 1 Chronicles 2:49, being the 'father of Madmannah' suggests that Shaaph was the patriarchal figure whose family unit was responsible for the development or re-population of this southern Judean town.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Shaaph’s identity is defined by his proximity to prominent Judean figures. As the son of Caleb, he is linked to one of the most significant leaders in Israel’s early history. He is also mentioned alongside his brother Sheva, who is identified as the father of Machbenah and Gibea. This grouping suggests a shared geographic focus for this particular branch of Maacah’s children. Additionally, the text notes his relationship to Achsah, a daughter of Caleb, further cementing his place within the primary Calebite household.
Spiritual Significance
While Shaaph is a minor figure, his presence in the Bible underscores the importance of heritage and the fulfillment of God’s promise regarding the land. By listing individuals like Shaaph, the Chronicler demonstrates that every family unit had a designated place within the tribal inheritance of Judah. The preservation of his name ensures that the inhabitants of Madmannah could trace their lineage to the faithful Caleb, thereby connecting their contemporary identity to the heroic era of the Exodus and the conquest of Canaan.
Shaaph’s significance lies in the preservation of the Judean tribal identity. By being recorded as the 'father of Madmannah,' he serves as a link between the patriarchal promises and the physical settlement of the Promised Land. His inclusion in the Holy Scripture highlights that God values the specific lineages and individual families that constitute the whole of His people.
Furthermore, as a son of a concubine, Shaaph’s inclusion in the formal genealogy of Judah illustrates the breadth of the tribe. It shows that the inheritance of Israel was inclusive of various branches of the family tree, ensuring that the geographic legacy of the Tribe of Judah was thoroughly documented for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Shaaph’s father?
Shaaph was the son of Caleb, who was the son of Hezron from the Tribe of Judah.
What city is Shaaph associated with?
Shaaph is identified as the 'father' of Madmannah, which refers to the settlement or region populated by his descendants.
Who was Shaaph’s mother?
His mother was Maacah, who is described as a concubine of Caleb.
In which book of the Bible is Shaaph mentioned?
Shaaph is mentioned once in the Old Testament, specifically in 1 Chronicles 2:49.
Was Shaaph related to Achsah?
Yes, Shaaph and Achsah were both children of Caleb, though the text mentions them in the context of different mothers or social standings within the household.
Family & Relationships
Parents
Caleb, Son of HezronFather1 Chronicles 2:49–50Stated
Maacah, Concubine of CalebMother1 Chronicles 2:48Stated
Shaaph, Son of CalebThis page
Hur of the Tribe of JudahBrother1 Chronicles 2:19Stated
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
Gazez, Grandson of CalebBrother1 Chronicles 2:46Inferred
Reconstructed through Moza and Caleb: 1 Chronicles 2:46 ties Gazez to Moza; 1 Chronicles 2:46 ties Moza to Caleb; 1 Chronicles 2:49 ties Caleb to Shaaph. No verse states the brother link between Gazez and Shaaph 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 JahdaiBrother1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
SheberBrother1 Chronicles 2:48Stated
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 2:48–49Stated
Children
MadmannahSon1 Chronicles 2:49Stated
Connected Figures
Family
Father · 1 Chronicles 2:49–50
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.
Mother · 1 Chronicles 2:48
A woman within the genealogy of Judah who served as a concubine to Caleb, son of Hezron, during the Egypt and Wilderness era.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:482 versesMatriarchJudah
Son · 1 Chronicles 2:49
Madmannah was a descendant of Caleb within the tribe of Judah, identified in the genealogical records of the Egypt and Wilderness era.
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.
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 2:46
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
Categories
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.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 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.
- 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 Jahdai1 Chronicles 2:47
A descendant of Judah through the line of Caleb, identified as the son of Jahdai in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles.