Ashpenaz אַשְׁפְּנַז
Chief official in Nebuchadnezzar's court
Biography
Ashpenaz was a high-ranking official in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. He held the position of chief of the eunuchs, which placed him in charge of the king's household servants. After Nebuchadnezzar's conquest of Jerusalem, Ashpenaz was tasked with selecting young Israelite men of noble and royal birth to be trained in the language and literature of the Babylonians. Among those chosen were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, who were given Babylonian names. Ashpenaz was responsible for overseeing their education and ensuring their well-being during their time in the king's service.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentDaniel 1 verse
- Daniel 1:3
"The king spoke to Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring in some of the children of Israel, even of the royal offspring and of the nobles;"
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אַשְׁפְּנַז | H0828 |
Ashpenaz
he had carried captive to Babylon, that they might be taught the learning and tongue of the Chaldeans in order to serve in the king's palace. He is mentioned by name in Da 1:3 only. It used to be supposed that the name was Persian; but it now seems more probable that it is Babylonian. We would suggest Ashipu-Anu- Izzu, "the Aship-priest of Ann is mighty," as a possible form of the original.
R. Dick Wilson
ash'-re-el. See ASRIEL.
Plural of Ashtoreth. See ASHTORETH.
<entryFree n="ASHTAROTH; AS