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שֵׁם (shem)

shem

Shem

H8035 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 16 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

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

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun shem literally means "name," but in biblical thought it carries far more weight than a simple label. It represents a person’s reputation, character, and enduring legacy. When a text speaks of making a name for oneself, it is describing the establishment of one’s identity and influence in the world.

This concept appears frequently in Genesis, particularly in God’s promises to Abraham. In Genesis 12:2, God tells Abram that he will become a great nation and that his name will be great. Here, shem signifies the future prominence and divine blessing attached to his lineage. The word connects personal identity with public witness.

The term also appears in the phrase "in the name of," indicating authority or representation. For example, prophets spoke in the name of the Lord, acting as His authorized representatives. This usage underscores that a name is not just a sound but a vessel for power and presence. The enduring nature of a shem reflects how one’s life continues to impact others long after death.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

In biblical thought, a name is never just a label. It carries the weight of character, reputation, and legacy. When Scripture mentions Shem, it points to a lineage that preserves faith through generations. This concept reminds us that our lives leave an enduring mark on those around us, shaping the spiritual heritage we pass down.

The story of Shem shows how ordinary family lines become vessels for divine promise. God’s blessing rests on these ancestors, not because of their perfection, but because He chooses to work through human history. You can find comfort in knowing that your own name—your identity and influence—is held in His hands.

This word invites you to consider what legacy you are building. It is not about fame or power, but about faithfulness. By living with integrity, you contribute to a story that outlasts your time on earth, connecting you to the broader narrative of God’s people.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Shem15×
  • and/ to/ Shem1×
  • and/ Shem1×

Forms in the text

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

  • שֵׁ֖ם6×
  • שֵׁ֔ם3×
  • שֵׁ֑ם2×
  • שֵׁ֨ם1×
  • שֵׁ֥ם\׀1×
  • שֵׁ֚ם1×
  • שֵׁ֗ם1×
  • וּ/לְ/שֵׁ֥ם1×
  • וְ/שֵׁם\־1×

Key Verses

  • Genesis 9:26
    He said, “Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Shem. Let Canaan be his servant.

    Here Shem is directly associated with Yahweh, highlighting his role as a carrier of divine blessing and covenantal promise.

  • Genesis 10:21
    Children were also born to Shem (the elder brother of Japheth), the father of all the children of Eber.

    This verse identifies Shem as the father of Eber, linking him to the ancestral line that leads to Abraham and the broader Hebrew tradition.

  • Genesis 11:10
    This is the history of the generations of Shem: Shem was one hundred years old when he became the father of Arpachshad two years after the flood.

    The genealogy here establishes Shem’s longevity and continuity, showing how his lineage survived the flood to preserve human history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Shem mean?

The Hebrew word shem literally means 'name,' but it signifies reputation, character, and legacy. In the case of Shem, the person, it represents a lineage chosen to preserve faith after the flood.

Why is Shem important in the Bible?

Shem is crucial because he is an ancestor of Abraham and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. His line preserves the covenant promises that God made with Noah and later with Abraham.

How is Shem different from his brothers?

While all three sons are blessed, Shem is specifically linked to Yahweh in Genesis 9:26. His lineage is highlighted as the channel for the Abrahamic covenant, whereas Ham and Japheth have their own distinct roles in the nations.

Every Occurrence (16 verses across 2 books)

Genesis 13 verses
Genesis 5:32

Noah was five hundred years old, then Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Genesis 6:10

Noah became the father of three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Genesis 7:13

In the same day Noah, and Shem, Ham, and Japheth—the sons of Noah—and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with…

Genesis 9:18

The sons of Noah who went out from the ship were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Ham is the father of Canaan.

Genesis 9:23

Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it on both their shoulders, went in backwards, and covered the nakedness of…

Genesis 9:26

He said, “Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Shem. Let Canaan be his servant.

Genesis 9:27

May God enlarge Japheth. Let him dwell in the tents of Shem. Let Canaan be his servant.”

Genesis 10:1

Now this is the history of the generations of the sons of Noah and of Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were born to them…

Genesis 10:21

Children were also born to Shem (the elder brother of Japheth), the father of all the children of Eber.

Genesis 10:22

The sons of Shem were: Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, and Aram.

Genesis 10:31

These are the sons of Shem, by their families, according to their languages, lands, and nations.

Genesis 11:10

This is the history of the generations of Shem: Shem was one hundred years old when he became the father of Arpachshad…

Genesis 11:11

Shem lived five hundred years after he became the father of Arpachshad, and became the father of more sons and…

I Chronicles 3 verses