Shage

שָׁגֵא/SHAY-gee/

“Erring or wandering”

Summary

A Hararite who was the father of Jonathan, one of David's elite warriors known as 'the mighty men.'

☩Identity

Shage was a Hararite, indicating he came from the hill country or a place called Harar. He is mentioned only once in Scripture as the father of Jonathan, who served among David's thirty mighty men. The designation 'Hararite' appears multiple times in the lists of David's heroes, suggesting a region that produced notable warriors.

Key verses:1 Chronicles 11:34

☩Textual Variations

There is some confusion in the parallel accounts regarding Shage's identity. In 2 Samuel 23:33, the name appears as 'Shammah' rather than 'Shage.' This has led scholars to suggest possible confusion between three individuals: Jonathan the son of Shage the Hararite, Jonathan the son of Shammah (David's brother), and Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. The Septuagint renders the name variously as 'Sage' or 'Sola.'

Key verses:2 Samuel 23:33

Related Verses1 mention

1 Chronicles· 1 verse

11:34

References

1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shage," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
2.James Orr (ed.), "Shagee," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Shage," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).