Seraiah שְׂרָיָהוּ
David's scribe, also known as Shavsha, Sheva, Sheya, or Shisha
Who is Seraiah in the Bible?
Seraiah was a scribe who served in the administrative court of King David during his reign (2 Samuel 8:17). He is also known by several alternative names in scripture, including Shavsha, Sheva, and Shisha, which appear in different biblical accounts and likely reflect variations in spelling or transliteration over time. As David's scribe, Seraiah held a position of considerable trust and responsibility, managing important royal documents, decrees, and official correspondence. His role demonstrates the structured bureaucracy that developed under David's kingdom and the importance placed on record-keeping in ancient Israel's government.
Biography
Seraiah, mentioned in 2Sa.8.17 and 1Ch.18.16, was a scribe who served during the reign of King David. He is also referred to as Shavsha (1Ch.18.16), Sheva (2Sa.20.25), Sheya (2Sa.20.25 in some translations), or Shisha (1Ki.4.3). As a scribe, Seraiah's primary responsibility would have been to record important documents, decrees, and correspondence for the king. He held a position of trust and significance within David's administration. The variations in his name across different passages may be due to differences in spelling or pronunciation over time.
Family
In Scripture
3 biblical books2 Samuel 2 verses
- 2 Samuel 8:17
"Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe;"
- 2 Samuel 20:25
"Sheva was the scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were priests;"
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 18:16
"Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Shavsha was the scribe;"
1 Kings 1 verse
- 1 Kings 4:3
"Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שְׂרָיָהוּ | šĕrāyāh | Serajah , the name of nine Israelites |
| Named | Hebrew | שַׁוְשָׁא | — | — |
| Named | Hebrew | שְׁוָא | — | — |
| (same ref[s] as previous) | Hebrew | שְׁיָא | — | — |
| Named | Hebrew | שִׁישָׁא | — | — |