Shephatiah(5)
Shephatiah in the Bible — his sons (descendants) returned to Judah after captivity (EZR 2:4). Referenced in 3 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “the Lord that judges”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 3 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 2 connections
Biography
Shephatiah was a male biblical figure noted for his descendants who returned to Judah after the Babylonian captivity, as recorded in Ezra 2:4. While his tribal affiliation is not specified, his role as an ancestor of those who returned highlights his place in the restoration period of Israel's history. There are no additional personal notes recorded about him.
Names & Titles
The name Shephatiah means "YHWH has judged," reflecting a theologically rich meaning tied to God's sovereign judgment. This proper name, found in Ezra 2:4, was not given directly by God but carries a significant reminder of divine authority and justice.
Family
Scripture identifies Shephatiah as a descendant of Jacob, linking him to the broader covenantal lineage of Israel (Ezra 2:4). Additionally, he is inferred to be an ancestor of Michael, as noted in Ezra 8:8. Beyond these connections, no further family relationships are explicitly recorded.
Significance
Shephatiah's significance lies primarily in his role as a progenitor whose sons were part of the returning community to Judah after exile, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His people through generations. His mention in Ezra underscores the continuity of God's covenantal promises, as the descendants of Jacob, including those from Shephatiah's line, returned to rebuild and restore worship in the land. This highlights the providential care of God in the preservation and restoration of His people.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- שְׁפַטְיָה
- Transliteration
- shəfatəyah
- Meaning
- y-h-v-h has judged
- Greek
- Σαφατια
- Reference
- EZR 2:4
- Strong's
- H8203
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shephatiah in the Bible?
Shephatiah was a male biblical figure noted for his descendants who returned to Judah after the Babylonian captivity, as recorded in Ezra 2:4. While his tribal affiliation is not specified, his role as an ancestor of those who returned highlights his place in the restoration period of Israel's history. There are no additional personal notes recorded about him.
What does the name Shephatiah mean?
The name Shephatiah means “the Lord that judges” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.