שִׁלֵּם (shil.lem)
shil.lem
Shillem
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Shillem refers to a specific individual in the tribe of Naphtali, appearing primarily in genealogical records during the period of Israel’s sojourn in Egypt and their subsequent wilderness journey. He is first identified as one of the sons of Naphtali in Genesis 46:24, listed among those who moved to Egypt with Jacob. Later, he appears in Numbers 26:49 as the head of a clan named after him, the Shillemites.
Linguistically, the name derives from the Hebrew root meaning "to repay" or "to recompense." This etymology connects him thematically to other family names in Naphtali that reflect divine justice or reward. The text also notes an alternate spelling, Shallum, used for the same figure in 1 Chronicles 7:13, illustrating the textual variations common in these ancient lists.
As a proper noun rather than a verb, Shillem does not carry active theological weight in narrative contexts. Its significance lies in its preservation of tribal lineage and identity within the broader census data of the Pentateuch. The name serves as a marker of continuity for the descendants of Naphtali during the formative years of the nation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shillem appears in the genealogies of Genesis and Numbers, marking a specific branch within the tribe of Naphtali. While it does not anchor a major narrative event, its presence reminds us that God keeps careful records of every family line. These lists are not mere administrative data; they show how God preserves identity through generations, even during times of migration and uncertainty.
Derived from a root meaning 'to repay' or 'recompense,' the name hints at divine justice. For believers today, this offers comfort: God sees every life and keeps every account. You are known by name, just as Shillem was recorded in the census. His story is small but significant, showing that no one is forgotten in God’s plan.
This continuity connects us to a larger story of faithfulness. When we feel lost or overlooked, these ancient names reassure us that God values each person. The preservation of Shillem’s lineage points to a God who honors His promises and remembers His people through every season of history.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of/ Shillem1×
- and/ Shillem1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/שִׁלֵּ֕ם1×
- וְ/שִׁלֵּֽם\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 46:24
The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem.
This verse introduces Shillem as one of Naphtali’s sons, establishing his place in the family that moved to Egypt.
-
Numbers 26:49
of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites; of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites.
Here Shillem is named as the ancestor of a clan, showing how his lineage continued and was counted in the wilderness census.