Lexical Summary Shimah: Shimah Original Word: שִׁמְאָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shimah Perhaps for Shim'ah; Shimah, an Israelite -- Shimah. Compare Shim'am. see HEBREW Shim'ah see HEBREW Shim'am NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a Benjamite, same as NH8043 NASB Translation Shimeah (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שִׁמְאָה proper name, masculine in Benjamin 1 Chronicles 8:32 Σεμαα, Σαμαα, etc., = following. Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Shimah (also vocalized Shimeah or Shimeam) carries the idea of “hearing” or “being heard,” echoing the Hebrew verb shamaʿ. The concept of attentive listening is woven throughout Scripture, underscoring Israel’s call to hear the voice of the LORD and respond in covenant obedience. Biblical Occurrence and Context The name appears once, in the Benjamite genealogy of 1 Chronicles 8:32. The Chronicler records: “Mikloth was the father of Shimeah. These also lived near their relatives in Jerusalem” (Berean Standard Bible). Though brief, the notice anchors Shimah within the post-exilic community and links him to the historic heart of Israel’s worship. Genealogical Significance 1 Chronicles 8 traces the line of Benjamin down to King Saul and his descendants. Shimah is the son of Mikloth and grandson of Jeiel of Gibeon (1 Chronicles 8:29-32). This positions him among relatives who shared both Saul’s royal heritage and the covenant privileges of the tribe. By preserving such names, the Chronicler validates land claims, priestly assignments, and the tribe’s ongoing contribution to the restored nation. Historical and Cultural Insights Gibeon lay in Benjamin’s territory, five to six miles northwest of Jerusalem. After the exile, many Benjamites (including Levites and priests) settled again in and around Jerusalem to support temple service (Nehemiah 11:4-7). Shimah’s family “lived near their relatives in Jerusalem,” illustrating the strategic repopulation of the holy city and reinforcing tribal unity in close proximity to the temple. Theological and Ministry Reflections 1. Covenant Continuity By listing names like Shimah, the Chronicler emphasizes that God preserves His people generation after generation. Even obscure individuals are part of the redemptive storyline culminating in the Messiah (compare Ruth 4:18-22; Matthew 1:1-17). Shimah’s name recalls the Shema of Deuteronomy 6:4-5—“Hear, O Israel.” Faith begins with hearing (Romans 10:17). The genealogical setting quietly exhorts readers to heed God’s voice just as Israel was called to do. “These also lived near their relatives in Jerusalem.” Sometimes ministry is expressed simply by abiding faithfully where God places us and supporting the worship life of the community. Shimah models the quiet, essential work of stability that allows public ministry to flourish. Practical Applications • God sees and records lives that history might overlook. Believers engaged in unheralded service can take courage from Shimah’s inclusion in the inspired record. Connections with the Wider Canon The motif of hearing runs from the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) through prophetic calls (“Hear the word of the LORD,” Isaiah 1:10) to Jesus’ repeated refrain, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:9). Shimah’s brief appearance subtly ties the Benjamite genealogy to this enduring biblical theme. In sum, Shimah’s single mention underscores the value Scripture places on every member of God’s covenant community, highlights the ongoing relevance of attentive hearing, and reminds believers that even ordinary faithfulness contributes to the larger unfolding of divine purpose. Forms and Transliterations שִׁמְאָ֑ה שמאה shimAh šim’āh šim·’āhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 8:32 HEB: הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־ שִׁמְאָ֑ה וְאַף־ הֵ֗מָּה NAS: became the father of Shimeah. And they also KJV: begat Shimeah. And these also INT: Mikloth became of Shimeah also like 1 Occurrence |
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