### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Shaʻashgaz**, represented by `{{H8190}}`, is a proper name of Persian derivation. It appears **1 times** across **1 unique verses** in the Bible. The name belongs to a eunuch who served Xerxes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Shaʻashgaz** `{{H8190}}` is identified as the **king's** `{{H4428}}` **chamberlain** `{{H5631}}` who was in charge of the royal **concubines** `{{H6370}}`. His role is described in the account of the women brought to the palace. After a woman spent a night with the king, she would be moved to the "second **house** `{{H1004}}` of the **women** `{{H802}}`" and placed under the **custody** `{{H3027}}` of **Shaashgaz** `{{H8190}}`. She would not see the king again unless he **delighted** `{{H2654}}` in her and **called** `{{H7121}}` for her by **name** `{{H8034}}` [[Esther 2:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from his single appearance help clarify his position and context:
* `{{H5631}}` **çârîyç** (chamberlain, eunuch, officer): This title denotes a specific role within the royal court, often a minister of state or a valet for the female apartments. Such officers held positions of trust, as seen with the prince of the eunuchs in Daniel's time [[Daniel 1:9]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): Shaashgaz was a servant of the **king** `{{H4428}}`, the ultimate earthly authority in the narrative. The king’s heart and will are shown to be under a higher power [[Proverbs 21:1]].
* `{{H8104}}` **shâmar** (kept, guard, protect): This word describes Shaashgaz's function to **kept** `{{H8104}}` or guard the concubines. The term signifies careful oversight and protection, much like the LORD is said to **keep** `{{H8104}}` a city [[Psalms 127:1]].
* `{{H6370}}` **pîylegesh** (concubine): These were the women under Shaashgaz's charge. Concubines were a recognized part of patriarchal and royal households, though distinct from wives [[Genesis 25:6]].
### Theological Significance
The mention of `{{H8190}}` provides a glimpse into the structure of the Persian court and related themes.
* **Royal Authority:** The system managed by Shaashgaz demonstrates the absolute power of the **king** `{{H4428}}`. A woman’s future depended entirely on whether the king **delighted** `{{H2654}}` in her, a word also used to describe God's favor [[Micah 7:18]].
* **Order and Custody:** His role as the **chamberlain** `{{H5631}}` who **kept** `{{H8104}}` the concubines highlights the highly structured and regulated environment of the royal palace, where every person and duty was meticulously organized.
* **Stewardship in Service:** Shaashgaz was entrusted with a specific and sensitive responsibility within the king's household. His position as keeper of the second **house** `{{H1004}}` of the women illustrates a role of delegated authority and service to the crown [[Esther 2:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8190}}` **Shaʻashgaz** is not a common word but the specific name of a historical figure in a position of royal service. His singular mention in scripture is significant for the detailed picture it paints of the protocols and power dynamics within the court of King Xerxes. He exemplifies the role of a trusted officer carrying out the will of the monarch.
TRV