Lexical Summary Shama: To hear, listen, obey Original Word: שָׁמָע Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shama From shama'; obedient; Shama, an Israelite -- Shama. see HEBREW shama' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shama Definition one of David's heroes NASB Translation Shama (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שָׁמָע proper name, masculine a hero of David 1 Chronicles 11:44, Σαμαθα, Σαμμα (compare Osem. שמע on scarab ClGannJAS 1883 Fev.- Mars, 135, No. 9; also on seal from Megiddo (1904), compare KauMitth. u. Nachr. DPV, 1904, 2 f f.). Topical Lexicon Biblical Appearance Shama (Strong’s Hebrew 8091) is named once in Scripture, at 1 Chronicles 11:44, within the roster of David’s elite warriors: “Uzzia the Ashterathite; Shama and Jeiel, the sons of Hotham the Aroerite” (Berean Standard Bible). This singular mention places him among the renowned “mighty men” whose exploits secured the throne of Israel’s greatest earthly king. Historical Setting The list in 1 Chronicles 11 parallels 2 Samuel 23 but supplies additional names. It catalogues men who rallied to David during the turbulent transition from Saul’s reign. Their loyalty and valor helped forge national unity around the rightful anointed. Shama’s father, Hotham the Aroerite, is connected with Aroer east of the Jordan—territory assigned to Reuben and Gad (Numbers 32:34, Joshua 13:16). Thus Shama likely descended from Trans-Jordanian Israelites who nevertheless served the Judean king, illustrating the unifying pull of David’s kingdom. Role among David’s Mighty Men The Chronicler recounts exploits that varied from slaying giants to defending barley fields. Although no individual deed of Shama is preserved, his inclusion signals exceptional skill, courage, and covenant loyalty. Membership in the Thirty required a proven record of battlefield faithfulness. It also implied close personal access to David, for these warriors often served as bodyguards (2 Samuel 23:23). Spiritual Significance 1. Covenant solidarity. Shama’s Trans-Jordanian roots show that faithfulness to God’s anointed transcended tribal borders. His service reminds believers that allegiance to the Messiah knits together diverse backgrounds (Ephesians 2:14). Ministry Applications • Serve where God assigns. Whether on celebrated fronts or unrecorded rear-guard posts, faithfulness advances the kingdom. Related Names and Distinctions Shama (שָׁמָע) must not be conflated with Shammah (שַׁמָּה or שַׁמָּא, Strong’s 8048), a different warrior in 2 Samuel 23:11–12. The two names appear in contiguous contexts yet stem from distinct lexical roots and represent separate individuals. Summary Though Scripture gives only a brief notice, Shama’s inclusion among David’s mighty men testifies to steadfast courage, cross-tribal loyalty, and the enduring value God places on every faithful servant. Forms and Transliterations שָׁמָע֙ שמע šā·mā‘ šāmā‘ shaMaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 11:44 HEB: עֻזִיָּ֖א הָעֲשְׁתְּרָתִ֑י שָׁמָע֙ [וִיעוּאֵל כ] NAS: the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel KJV: the Ashterathite, Shama and Jehiel INT: Uzzia the Ashterathite Shama Jeiel the sons |
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