Bible Name Meaning Tool — Search Any Name (KJV)

Shamgar

Pronounced SHAM-gar

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✓ In the King James Bible — Yes — Shamgar appears in the King James Bible, including Judges 3:31.

Meaning: "Sword; Named after a Hurrian deity"
Origin: Hebrew/Hurrian

Shamgar's name may derive from a Hurrian word meaning "cup-bearer" or be related to the sword. He is one of the most enigmatic judges of Israel — given only a single verse in Judges 3 yet mentioned again in Deborah's song of triumph. Shamgar's entire judgeship is summarized in one extraordinary statement: "And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel." An ox goad was a long stick with a metal point used to drive oxen — an improvised weapon that makes Shamgar's feat remarkable. Deborah's song references the dangerous conditions of Shamgar's time: "In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways." Roads were so dangerous that people avoided main highways entirely. Into this chaos, Shamgar emerged with nothing but a farming tool and the courage to act. Shamgar's story demonstrates that God doesn't require conventional weapons or polished credentials. A willing heart and whatever is in your hand — even an ox goad — is enough for God to work deliverance.

Spiritual meaning

Shamgar killed 600 Philistines with a farm tool. His story teaches that God doesn't need your best equipment — He needs your availability. Use what you have, start where you are.

Related verses (KJV)

"And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel."
Judges 3:31 (KJV) →
"In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways."
Judges 5:6 (KJV) →

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