Who was Shaphan in the Bible?

What does the Bible say about Shaphan?

Shaphan, mentioned in 2Kings 22, 25.22, 2Chronicles 34, and several passages in Jeremiah, was a scribe who served during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. He was the son of Azaliah and the father of Ahikam, Elasah, and Gemariah. Shaphan played a key role in the religious reforms initiated by Josiah. When the high priest Hilkiah discovered the Book of the Law in the temple, he gave it to Shaphan, who then read it to the king. This event led to a nationwide renewal of the covenant and the implementation of reforms to purge idolatry from Judah. Shaphan's sons, particularly Ahikam, continued to serve in important positions during the reigns of subsequent kings. During the Babylonian invasion and the fall of Jerusalem, Shaphan's family members were involved in various events, such as the release of Jeremiah from prison and the appointment of Gedaliah as governor over the remnant of Judah. The multiple references to Shaphan and his descendants highlight their significance in the religious and political affairs of Judah during this tumultuous period.

Where does Shaphan appear in the Bible?

Shaphan is referenced in 16 verses across 3 books. Every passage below is about this one, not just every verse the word turns up in.

• 2 Chronicles 34:8
• 2 Chronicles 34:15
• 2 Chronicles 34:16
• 2 Chronicles 34:18
• 2 Chronicles 34:20
• 2 Kings 22:3
• 2 Kings 22:8
• 2 Kings 22:9
• 2 Kings 22:10
• 2 Kings 22:12
• Jeremiah 26:24
• Jeremiah 29:3
• Jeremiah 36:10
• Jeremiah 36:11
• Jeremiah 40:5
• Jeremiah 40:9

What else appears in these passages?

These turn up in the same passages as Shaphan.