Shishak
![The Bubastite Portal at Karnak, depicting a list of city states conquered by Shoshenq I in his Near Eastern military campaigns. Jerusalem does not occur in the list.[2]: 174–175](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fshishak.webp&w=2048&q=75)
The Bubastite Portal at Karnak, depicting a list of city states conquered by Shoshenq I in his Near Eastern military campaigns. Jerusalem does not occur in the list.[2]: 174–175
Meaning and Origin
The name Shishak carries the meaning 'See Pharaoh,' reflecting its association with Egyptian royalty and leadership. Its linguistic roots trace back to the Hebrew שִׁישַׁק (Šīšaq), which has been transliterated into various forms, including the Ancient Greek Σουσακίμ (Sousakim). Historically, Shishak is widely identified with Pharaoh Shoshenq I of Egypt's 22nd Dynasty, whose military campaigns are recorded in both Egyptian and biblical sources. This connection underscores the name's deep historical and cultural ties to the ancient Near East.
The Bubastite Portal at Karnak, depicting a list of city states conquered by Shoshenq I in his Near Eastern military campaigns. Jerusalem does not occur in the list.[2]: 174–175
Name Shishak in languages of the Bible
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Popularity Analysis
The name Shishak has a modest but notable global presence, appearing in records from 22 countries. It is most popular in regions such as the Isle of Man, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, reflecting its historical and cultural diffusion. While its use today is primarily linked to historical and biblical studies, the name serves as a bridge to understanding the interconnected histories of the ancient Near East.
| Country | Variant | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Isle of Man | Sisak | 911 |
| Azerbaijan | Chichak | 1054 |
| Georgia | Chichak | 1724 |
| Namibia | Shishaki | 3696 |
| Slovakia | Sisak | 3872 |
| Belarus | Сисак | 4990 |
| Slovenia | Sisak | 6025 |
| North Macedonia | Chichak | 8190 |
| Czechia | Sisak | 9607 |
| Albania | Sisak | 10208 |
| Armenia | Sisak | 10663 |
| Russian Federation | Сисак | 11862 |
| Hungary | Chichak | 16119 |
| Denmark | Sisak | 19336 |
| Switzerland | Sisak | 21391 |
Showing top 15 of 22 records
Biblical and Cultural Significance
In biblical tradition, Shishak is a figure of considerable importance, marked by a Divine Proximity Index of 70.3/100 and a Jesus Circle Score of 94.1/100. These metrics highlight his indirect role in shaping the spiritual and historical landscape of the Israelites. As the Pharaoh who provided refuge to Jeroboam during King Solomon's reign, Shishak's actions indirectly influenced the division of the Israelite kingdom. His subsequent military campaign against Judah, as recorded in 1 Kings 14:25 and 2 Chronicles 12:1-12, symbolizes divine judgment and political upheaval.
Biblical Context
Shishak's role in the Bible is both dramatic and consequential. He is first mentioned in 1 Kings 11:40 as the Egyptian Pharaoh who provided asylum to Jeroboam when Solomon sought to kill him. This act of political asylum set the stage for Jeroboam's eventual rise as the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. Later, in 1 Kings 14:25 and 2 Chronicles 12:2-9, Shishak is described as leading a massive military campaign against Judah during King Rehoboam's reign. This invasion is portrayed as a divine punishment for Judah's unfaithfulness.
Divine Proximity Metrics
Biblical References
- 1 Kings 11:40
- 1 Kings 14:25