### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Shavshâʼ**, represented by `{{H7798}}`, is defined as **joyful**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The name identifies a specific Israelite who served as an official in the royal administration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical occurrence of `{{H7798}}` is in [[1 Chronicles 18:16]], which lists the principal officers serving the king. In this verse, **Shavshâʼ** `{{H7798}}` is identified as the scribe `{{H5608}}`. He is listed alongside other high-ranking officials, including Zadok `{{H6659}}` the son `{{H1121}}` of Ahitub `{{H285}}`, and Abimelech `{{H40}}` the son `{{H1121}}` of Abiathar `{{H54}}`, who were the priests `{{H3548}}`. This context places **Shavshâʼ** directly within the kingdom's formal administrative and religious structure.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of **Shavshâʼ**'s role:
* `{{H5608}}` **çâphar** (properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e. (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e. celebrate; commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer): This is the title held by **Shavshâʼ**, defining his official function as a recorder and writer within the administration [[1 Chronicles 18:16]].
* `{{H6659}}` **Tsâdôwq** (just; Tsadok, the name of eight or nine Israelites; Zadok): A prominent priest who served at the same time as **Shavshâʼ**. He was a key religious figure in the kingdom, entrusted with duties such as overseeing the ark of God [[2 Samuel 15:24]].
* `{{H3548}}` **kôhên** (literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman); chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer): This term describes the office of Zadok and Abimelech, underscoring that **Shavshâʼ** was part of an administration that included the highest religious officials [[1 Chronicles 18:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7798}}` is understood through its context and the role it represents.
* **An Ordered Kingdom:** The specific mention of **Shavshâʼ** `{{H7798}}` as scribe `{{H5608}}` alongside priests `{{H3548}}` like Zadok `{{H6659}}` highlights the organized structure of Israel's government. This established order for civil and religious affairs was a key component of the kingdom's life [[1 Chronicles 18:16]].
* **The Scribe's Sacred Duty:** The root word for scribe, **çâphar** `{{H5608}}`, is not limited to secretarial work. It is also used to "declare" the works of the Lord [[Psalms 118:17]] and to describe how the heavens "declare" God's glory [[Psalms 19:1]], elevating the scribe's task to a sacred trust of preserving divine and national history.
* **A Joyful Identity:** The name **Shavshâʼ** itself is defined as **joyful**. His brief appearance in the biblical record connects the meticulous and vital administrative work of a scribe with a disposition of joy in service to the kingdom.
### Summary
In summary, **Shavshâʼ** `{{H7798}}` is the name of an individual whose singular mention offers a valuable insight into the administration of ancient Israel. Although not a central character, his role as scribe `{{H5608}}` was integral to the kingdom's function, positioned alongside the high priesthood. The name's meaning of **joyful** suggests a quality associated with this important service, demonstrating how even figures mentioned in passing contribute to the larger biblical portrait of an ordered society.
TRV