Lexical Summary Shema': Shema Original Word: שֶׁמַע Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shema For the same as shema'; Shema, the name of a place in Palestine and of four Israelites -- Shema. see HEBREW shema' Brown-Driver-Briggs II. שֶׁ֫מַע proper name, masculine usually Σαμα(α), Σεμαα (compare Sabean proper name סמע Hal509); — 1 in Judah 1 Chronicles 2:44, שָׁ֑מַע 1 Chronicles 2:43. 2 in Reuben 1 Chronicles 5:8. 3 in Benjamin 1 Chronicles 8:13 (= שִׁמְעִי 1 Chronicles 8:21). 4 post-exilic Nehemiah 8:4, Σαμαιας. Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Shema (שֶׁמַע, Strong’s 8087) stems from the Hebrew verb “to hear, listen, obey.” The name therefore carries the idea of one who hears or one who has been heard. Each bearer of the name stands as a quiet reminder that the Lord both speaks and listens, and that His people are called to responsive obedience. Individuals Bearing the Name 1. Shema of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:43–44) A great-grandson of Caleb through Hebron, Shema fathers Raham, who fathers Jorkeam. His placement in the royal tribe’s genealogies links the name with Judah’s historic line of leadership and promise. Though little else is recorded, the lineage preserves his memory as part of the covenant family through whom the Messiah would eventually come. 2. Shema of Reuben (1 Chronicles 5:8) Listed as grandfather to Bela and descendant of Joel, this Shema belongs to the tribe that forfeited its birthright (1 Chronicles 5:1). The record underscores God’s faithfulness: even among a tribe marked by failure, the Lord “heard” and preserved names for future remembrance. 3. Shema the Benjamite Warrior (1 Chronicles 8:13) Alongside his brother Beriah, he “drove out the inhabitants of Gath.” Occupying border-territory near Philistia, Aijalon demanded vigilant defense; Shema’s courage illustrates Benjamin’s historic role as a tribe of skilled fighters who protected Israel’s western flank. 4. Shema Beside Ezra (Nehemiah 8:4) Centuries later, a man named Shema stands on Ezra’s right as the Law is publicly read. “Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform… Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema…” In the restored community this Shema helps give the word audible reach, embodying the very meaning of his name amid a people newly attentive to Scripture. Historical and Tribal Connections The occurrences span from early settlement (Judah and Reuben) through monarchic defenses (Benjamin) to post-exilic renewal (Nehemiah). The dispersion of the name across tribes shows its broad appeal and the Lord’s work in varied settings: pastoral, military, and liturgical. Each appearance situates “hearing” within a concrete vocation—fatherhood, border security, or public ministry—demonstrating that attentive obedience is never abstract but expressed in daily roles. Theological and Spiritual Themes • Hearing that Leads to Doing: The root שָׁמַע underlies the great confession, “Hear, O Israel” (Deuteronomy 6:4). Every bearer of the name therefore points forward to the covenant expectation that God’s people listen and obey. • Remembered by God: Genealogies often pass over lesser figures, yet the Spirit preserves Shema’s name five times. The Lord who “has heard” does not forget even quiet servants. • Corporate Worship Recovered: In Nehemiah 8 the presence of Shema underscores that restoration comes when Scripture is read aloud and understood. He models supportive, unheralded service that allows the word free course. Practical Ministry Reflections • Fathers and Mentors: Like Shema of Judah and Reuben, spiritual parents today are called to cultivate lines of faith so that future “generations may hear” (compare Psalm 78:4). • Defenders of the Flock: Shema the Benjamite exemplifies vigilance against encroaching enemies. Shepherd-leaders must hear the warning notes of danger and act decisively for the sake of God’s people. • Platform Support: The post-exilic Shema did not read the Law himself yet was indispensable beside Ezra. Ministry often involves upholding another’s proclamation so that the congregation can hear clearly. Related Names and Distinctions Shema is distinct from the more common Shemaiah (שְׁמַעְיָהוּ), though both share the same root. Whereas Shemaiah emphasizes “Yah hears,” Shema remains the shorter form, highlighting the act of listening itself. Enduring Significance From the settlement era to the second-temple revival, every Shema bears witness that listening precedes blessing. Whether preserving a lineage, guarding a city, or amplifying the public reading of God’s word, the name calls each generation to take heed: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28). Forms and Transliterations וְשֶׁ֡מַע וְשֶׁ֣מַע וָשֶׁ֔מַע וָשָֽׁמַע׃ ושמע ושמע׃ שֶׁ֖מַע שמע še·ma‘ šema‘ Shema vaShama vaShema veShema wā·šā·ma‘ wā·še·ma‘ wāšāma‘ wāšema‘ wə·še·ma‘ wəšema‘Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 2:43 HEB: וְתַפֻּ֖חַ וְרֶ֥קֶם וָשָֽׁמַע׃ NAS: and Tappuah and Rekem and Shema. KJV: and Tappuah, and Rekem, and Shema. INT: and Tappuah and Rekem and Shema 1 Chronicles 2:44 1 Chronicles 5:8 1 Chronicles 8:13 Nehemiah 8:4 5 Occurrences |
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