Lexical Summary Semein: To signify, to mark, to indicate Original Word: Σημεῖν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Semei. Of Hebrew origin (Shim'iy); Semei (i.e. Shimi), an Israelite -- Semei. see HEBREW Shim'iy NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Shimi Definition Semein, an Isr. NASB Translation Semein (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4584: ΣεμεϊΣεμεϊ, L marginal reading Σεμεΐν, T Tr WH Σεμηιν (see WHs Appendix, p. 155; cf. εἰ, ἰ) (שִׁמְעִי, i. e. famous), Semein (so R. V. but A. V. Semei), the name of a man: Luke 3:26. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Luke 3:26 records Σεμεῒν as one link in the genealogy of Jesus Christ: “the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda” (Luke 3:26). This is the sole appearance of the name in the Greek Scriptures. Context within Luke’s Genealogy Luke traces Jesus’ lineage backward from Joseph to Adam. Unlike Matthew, who writes for a Jewish readership and structures his list around Abraham and David, Luke writes for a broader audience and highlights Jesus as the Son of God for all humanity. Σεμεῒν falls in the post-exilic segment of Luke’s genealogy—between Zerubbabel (3:27) and David (3:31)—within the line of Nathan rather than Solomon. This placement contributes to a crucial prophetic theme: the Messiah descends from David, yet through Nathan’s branch, thereby harmonizing with Jeremiah 22:30 concerning the curse on Jeconiah and affirming the virgin birth’s legal-royal legitimacy. Historical Background Names in the post-exilic era often reflect God’s preservation of Israel during and after captivity. While Scripture provides no individual narrative for Σεμεῒν, his inclusion signals that families remained faithful, preserved their tribal records, and anticipated the promised Redeemer even amid national upheaval (Ezra 2; Nehemiah 7). Such meticulous record-keeping made possible the recognition of Jesus as David’s heir centuries later. Theological Significance of Genealogies 1. Covenantal Continuity: Genealogies certify that God keeps covenant promises (Genesis 12:3; 2 Samuel 7:16). Every name, including Σεμεῒν, is a testimony to God’s unwavering faithfulness. Ministry Implications • Confidence in Scripture: The detailed and verifiable lineage encourages trust in both Old and New Testaments. Believers can proclaim the gospel assured that Jesus’ credentials stand unassailable (Acts 2:29-36). Related Old Testament Echoes • Ezra 2:62 and Nehemiah 7:64 show the importance of genealogical records for priestly service. Lessons for Contemporary Believers 1. God works through unknown servants to accomplish grand purposes. Summary Σεμεῒν’s single appearance in Luke 3:26 underscores the meticulous providence of God. Though Scripture gives no biography, his place in the Messiah’s lineage proclaims covenant fidelity, affirms the integrity of Luke’s gospel, and inspires believers today to trust that ordinary faithfulness plays a vital role in God’s unfolding redemptive story. Forms and Transliterations Σεμεειν Σεμεείν Σεμεῒν Semein Semeï̀nLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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