Lexical Summary ashshaph: Enchanter, conjurer, magician Original Word: אַשָּׁף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance astrologer From an unused root (probably meaning to lisp, i.e. Practice enchantment); a conjurer -- astrologer. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition a conjurer, necromancer NASB Translation conjurers (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [אַשָּׁף] noun masculine conjurer, necromancer (probably Babylonian loan-word, Assyrian ašipu COTGloss compare DlPr 141, Aramaic אָשַׁף, ![]() אשׁף (√ of dubious meaning, whence following) Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scripture אַשָּׁף appears only in Daniel 1:20 and Daniel 2:2, identifying a specialized group within the broader circle of Babylonian “wise men.” The Berean Standard Bible renders the term “enchanters” (Daniel 1:20) and “conjurers” (Daniel 2:2). Historical Background The Babylonian Empire (seventh–sixth centuries BC) was renowned for its elaborate systems of divination, astrology, and dream interpretation. Cuneiform tablets from the period list professional titles such as āšipu (exorcist-priest) and āšappu (magician). The Hebrew writers, observing these roles through an exilic lens, grouped them under categories like magicians, sorcerers, and Chaldeans. אַשָּׁף most naturally aligns with the āšippu/āšappu class—ritual specialists who combined incantations, medical texts, and celestial omens to manipulate spiritual powers or diagnose supernatural causes of illness and misfortune. Role within the Babylonian Court 1. Consultancy for kings. When Nebuchadnezzar sought counsel on state matters (Daniel 1:20) or the content of his troubling dream (Daniel 2:2), the אַשָּׁפִים were summoned alongside astrologers and sorcerers. They were expected to provide insight that human reasoning alone could not supply. Contrast with Prophetic Revelation Daniel’s narrative positions the God of Israel in direct competition with Babylon’s occult experts: Theological Themes 1. Supremacy of divine wisdom. Human-devised occult arts fail where God speaks (cf. Isaiah 44:24-25; 1 Corinthians 1:19-25). Related Terms and Classes • חַרְטֻמִּים (chartummim) – “magicians,” referenced in Egypt (Genesis 41:8; Exodus 7:11) and Babylon (Daniel 1:20). The grouping of these specialists highlights a broader biblical condemnation of occult reliance (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Ministerial Insights and Application 1. Discernment. Believers must recognize contemporary analogues of the אַשָּׁפִים—occult practices, New Age ritual, or any attempt to manipulate hidden powers—and reject them. In sum, אַשָּׁף represents a powerful but ultimately impotent class of occult practitioners, whose appearance in Scripture magnifies the unrivaled wisdom and sovereignty of the LORD. Forms and Transliterations הָֽאַשָּׁפִ֔ים האשפים וְלָֽאַשָּׁפִ֗ים ולאשפים hā’aššāp̄îm hā·’aš·šā·p̄îm haashshaFim velaashshaFim wə·lā·’aš·šā·p̄îm wəlā’aššāp̄îmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 1:20 HEB: כָּל־ הַֽחַרְטֻמִּים֙ הָֽאַשָּׁפִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּכָל־ NAS: the magicians [and] conjurers who KJV: than all the magicians [and] astrologers that [were] in all his realm. INT: all the magicians conjurers who all Daniel 2:2 2 Occurrences |