הֵימָן (he.man)

he.man

Heman

H1968 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 12 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 12 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The proper name Heman appears twelve times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the historical books of Chronicles. It identifies a man from the era of the United Monarchy who was renowned for his wisdom. In 1 Kings 4:31, he is listed alongside Ethan, Calcol, and Darda as one of the wisest men alive, a group to whom King Solomon’s own wisdom was compared.

The name itself carries the meaning "faithful" or "trustworthy." Beyond his reputation for insight, Heman is also remembered as a Levitical singer. Later tradition associates him with the role of a seer and even attributes Psalm 88 to his authorship, linking his identity closely with worship and divine trust.

While the biblical text focuses on his intellectual stature during Solomon’s reign, the enduring legacy of Heman lies in his connection to the temple music and the psalms that continued to shape Israel’s spiritual life long after his time.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Heman means "faithful" or "trustworthy," a quality that defined his life in Scripture. He is remembered not just as one of King Solomon’s wisest men, but as a Levitical singer who helped establish the music for temple worship. This dual role shows how wisdom and worship often walk together in the Bible.

When we read about Heman leading singers with harps and cymbals, it reminds us that praising God is a serious and structured part of faith. His legacy includes Psalm 88, a raw and honest prayer that sits among the most sorrowful in the Psalter. This connection invites us to bring our full range of emotions—joy, wisdom, and even deep pain—into our own prayers.

Heman’s story encourages us to be faithful in our daily roles, whether in leadership or in quiet service. His life suggests that true wisdom is expressed through a heart that trusts God completely, even when circumstances are difficult.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Heman6×
and/ Heman4×
to/ Heman1×
of/ Heman1×
for/ Heman1×
<to>/ Heman1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

לְ/הֵימָ֗ן2×
הֵימָ֣ן2×
לְ/הֵימָ֣ן1×
לְ/הֵימָ֑ן1×
וְ/הֵימָֽן\׃1×
וְ/הֵימָ֤ן1×
וְ/הֵימָ֣ן1×
וְ/הֵימָ֛ן1×
הֵימָ֨ן1×
הֵימָ֥ן1×
הֵימָ֡ן1×
הֵימָ֖ן1×

Key Verses

I Chronicles 25:5
All these were the sons of Heman the king’s seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.

This verse identifies Heman as the king's seer and highlights his large family, showing how God blessed him with fourteen sons and three daughters to continue his worship ministry.
I Chronicles 15:19
So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were given cymbals of bronze to sound aloud;

Here Heman is specifically given bronze cymbals to sound aloud, illustrating the active and loud nature of the praise he led in the temple.
I Chronicles 2:6
The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara—five of them in all.

This early mention lists him among the sons of Zerah, establishing his lineage before his later prominence as a wise man and singer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Heman mean?

The name Heman comes from a Hebrew root meaning "faithful" or "trustworthy." This meaning reflects his reputation for reliability and his steadfast role in leading worship.

Is Heman the same person as Ethan?

No, they are distinct individuals. Heman is listed alongside Ethan in 1 Kings 4:31 as one of the wisest men of Solomon’s time, and they are both mentioned as Levitical singers in Chronicles.

Why is Psalm 88 associated with Heman?

The superscription of Psalm 88 identifies it as a "maskil of Heman the Ezrahite." While scholars debate if this refers to the same Heman from Chronicles, tradition links the psalm’s deep sorrow to his legacy of faithful trust.

Every Occurrence (12 verses across 2 books)

I Chronicles 9 verses

I Chronicles 2:6

The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara—five of them in all.

I Chronicles 15:17

So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brothers, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of…

I Chronicles 15:19

So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were given cymbals of bronze to sound aloud;

I Chronicles 16:41

and with them Heman and Jeduthun and the rest who were chosen, who were mentioned by name, to give thanks to Yahweh,…

I Chronicles 16:42

and with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those that should sound aloud, and with instruments for…

I Chronicles 25:1

Moreover, David and the captains of the army set apart for the service certain of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of…

I Chronicles 25:4

Of Heman, the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti,…

I Chronicles 25:5

All these were the sons of Heman the king’s seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. God gave to Heman fourteen…

I Chronicles 25:6

All these were under the hands of their father for song in Yahweh’s house, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and…

II Chronicles 3 verses