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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Shabbethai</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/s/shabbethai.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/ezra/10-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/s/shabbethai.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Shabbethai</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/naves/s/shaashgaz--a_chamberlain_of_ahasuerus.htm" title="Shaashgaz: A Chamberlain of Ahasuerus">◄</a> Shabbethai <a href="/topical/s/shab'bethai.htm" title="Shab'bethai">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#hit" title="Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary">Hitchcock's</a> • <a href="#smi" title="Smith's Bible Dictionary">Smith's</a> • <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Shabbethai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history. He is recognized as a Levite who played a significant role during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, particularly in the religious and communal reforms that took place after the return from Babylonian exile.<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b><br><br>1. <b><a href="/ezra/10-15.htm">Ezra 10:15</a></b> · Shabbethai is mentioned in the context of the assembly that dealt with the issue of intermarriage among the Israelites. The verse states: "Only Jonathan son of Asahel and Jahzeiah son of Tikvah opposed this, with Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite supporting them." This indicates that Shabbethai was involved in the discussions and decisions regarding the adherence to the Law, particularly concerning the separation from foreign wives, which was a significant issue for the returning exiles seeking to restore their covenantal identity.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/nehemiah/8-7.htm">Nehemiah 8:7</a></b> · In this passage, Shabbethai is listed among the Levites who helped the people understand the Law as it was being read by Ezra. The verse reads: "The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law as they stood in their places." This highlights Shabbethai's role as an educator and interpreter of the Law, emphasizing the importance of teaching and understanding God's commandments for the spiritual renewal of the community.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/nehemiah/11-16.htm">Nehemiah 11:16</a></b> · Shabbethai is again mentioned as one of the leaders among the Levites. The verse states: "Shabbethai and Jozabad, two of the leaders of the Levites, who had charge of the outside work of the house of God." This indicates his responsibility in overseeing the practical and logistical aspects of the temple service, ensuring that the worship and sacrifices were conducted according to the prescribed order.<br><br><b>Role and Significance:</b><br><br>Shabbethai's involvement in the religious reforms and his leadership among the Levites underscore his commitment to the restoration of proper worship and adherence to the Law. As a Levite, he was part of the tribe set apart for religious duties, and his actions reflect the broader efforts to reestablish the spiritual foundations of the Israelite community after the exile.<br><br>His participation in the teaching of the Law and the administration of temple duties highlights the critical role of the Levites in guiding the people back to a faithful relationship with God. Shabbethai's contributions were integral to the reformation efforts led by Ezra and Nehemiah, which sought to renew the covenant and ensure the community's faithfulness to God's commandments.<br><br>In summary, Shabbethai is a notable figure in the post-exilic period, representing the dedication and service of the Levites in the spiritual and communal life of Israel. His involvement in key reforms and his leadership in temple service illustrate the essential role of the Levites in maintaining the religious integrity and identity of the people of God.<a name="hit" id="hit"></a><div class="vheading2">Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Shabbethai</span><p>my rest<a name="smi" id="smi"></a><div class="vheading2">Smith's Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Shabbethai</span><p>(<i>sabbatical</i>) a Levite in the time of Ezra. (<a href="/ezra/10-15.htm">Ezra 10:15</a>) It is apparently the same who with Jeshua and others instructed the people in the knowledge of the law. (<a href="/nehemiah/8-7.htm">Nehemiah 8:7</a>) (B.C. 450.)<a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>Sabbath-born, a Levite who assisted in expounding the law and investigating into the illegal marriages of the Jews (<a href="/ezra/10-15.htm">Ezra 10:15</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/8-7.htm">Nehemiah 8:7</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/11-16.htm">11:16</a>). <a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">SHABBETHAI</span><p>shab'-e-thi (shabbethay, "one born on the Sabbath"; Codex Vaticanus Sabathai; Codex Alexandrinus Kabbathai = "Sabbateus" of 1 Esdras 9:14): A Levite who opposed (?) Ezra's suggestion that the men who had married foreign wives put them aside (<a href="/ezra/10-15.htm">Ezra 10:15</a>). Kuenen, however, renders the phrase `amedhu `al zo'th, of which Asahiel and Jahaziah are the subjects, to mean "stand over," "have charge of," rather than "stand against," "oppose" (Gesammelte Abhandlungen, 247); this would make Shabbethai, who was in accord with the two men mentioned above, an ally rather than an opponent of Ezra. We incline toward Kuenen's interpretation in view of the position attained by Shabbethai under Nehemiah-one he would have been unlikely to attain had he been hostile to Ezra. He is mentioned among those appointed to explain the Law (<a href="/nehemiah/8-7.htm">Nehemiah 8:7</a>), and as one of the chiefs of the Levites who had the oversight of "the outward business of the house of God" (<a href="/nehemiah/11-16.htm">Nehemiah 11:16</a>).<br><br>Horace J. Wolf<p><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/7678.htm"><span class="l">7678. Shabbethay -- a Levite</span></a><br><b>...</b> 7677, 7678. Shabbethay. 7679 . a Levite. Transliteration: Shabbethay Phonetic<br> Spelling: (shab-beth-ah'-ee) Short Definition: <b>Shabbethai</b>. <b>...</b> <b>Shabbethai</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/7678.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_g/reading_the_law_with_tears.htm"><span class="l">Reading the Law with Tears and Joy</span></a> <br><b>...</b> bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.7. Also<br> Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jemin, Akkub, <b>Shabbethai</b>, Hodijah, Maaseiah <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/reading the law with tears.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/s/shabbethai.htm"><span class="l"><b>Shabbethai</b> (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 16). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. <b>SHABBETHAI</b>. shab <b>...</b> 16). Horace J. Wolf.<br> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Shabbethai</b> (3 Occurrences). Ezra <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/shabbethai.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/shab'bethai.htm"><span class="l">Shab'bethai (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br>Shab'bethai. <b>Shabbethai</b>, Shab'bethai. Shabby . Multi-Version Concordance<br> Shab'bethai (3 Occurrences). Ezra 10:15 Only Jonathan the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/shab'bethai.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/jozabad.htm"><span class="l">Jozabad (10 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Nehemiah 8:7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, <b>Shabbethai</b>, Hodiah,<br> Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/jozabad.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/jo'zabad.htm"><span class="l">Jo'zabad (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Nehemiah 8:7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, <b>Shabbethai</b>, Hodiah,<br> Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/jo'zabad.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/sabbateus.htm"><span class="l">Sabbateus</span></a><br><b>...</b> One of the three (or rather two, for "Levis" = Levite) "assessors" in the investigation<br> held concerning "foreign wives" (1 Esdras 9:14) = "<b>Shabbethai</b> the Levite <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/sabbateus.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/h/helped.htm"><span class="l">Helped (64 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Ezra 10:15 Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahzeiah the son of Tikvah stood<br> up against this matter : and Meshullam and <b>Shabbethai</b> the Levite helped them. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/h/helped.htm - 26k</font><p><a href="/topical/k/kelita.htm"><span class="l">Kelita (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Nehemiah 8:7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, <b>Shabbethai</b>, Hodiah,<br> Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/kelita.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/k/keli'ta.htm"><span class="l">Keli'ta (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Nehemiah 8:7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, <b>Shabbethai</b>, Hodiah,<br> Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, even the Levites <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/keli'ta.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/o/outward.htm"><span class="l">Outward (17 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Nehemiah 11:16 and <b>Shabbethai</b> and Jozabad, of the chiefs of the Levites, who had<br> the oversight of the outward business of the house of God; (WEB KJV JPS ASV <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/o/outward.htm - 13k</font><p><a href="/topical/o/opposed.htm"><span class="l">Opposed (23 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Ezra 10:15 Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahzeiah the son of Tikvah stood<br> up against this matter : and Meshullam and <b>Shabbethai</b> the Levite helped them. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/o/opposed.htm - 13k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Shabbethai (3 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/ezra/10-15.htm">Ezra 10:15</a></span><br />Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahzeiah the son of Tikvah stood up against this matter : and Meshullam and <span class="boldtext">Shabbethai</span> the Levite helped them. <br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/nehemiah/8-7.htm">Nehemiah 8:7</a></span><br />Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, <span class="boldtext">Shabbethai</span>, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/nehemiah/11-16.htm">Nehemiah 11:16</a></span><br />and <span class="boldtext">Shabbethai</span> and Jozabad, of the chiefs of the Levites, who had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God;<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/shabbethai.htm">Shabbethai</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/shabbethai--a_chief_levite,_an_attendant_of_the_temple.htm">Shabbethai: A Chief Levite, an Attendant of the Temple</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/shabbethai--a_levite,_assistant_to_ezra.htm">Shabbethai: A Levite, Assistant to Ezra</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/shabbethai--an_expounder_of_the_law.htm">Shabbethai: An Expounder of the Law</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shabbethai.htm">Shabbethai (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shabby.htm">Shabby (1 Occurrence)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/naves/s/shaashgaz--a_chamberlain_of_ahasuerus.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Shaashgaz: A Chamberlain of Ahasuerus"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Shaashgaz: A Chamberlain of Ahasuerus" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/s/shab'bethai.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Shab'bethai"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Shab'bethai" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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