שַׁמָּא (sham.ma)
sham.ma
Shammah
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 Sham-mah means "desert" or "wasteland." It appears in Scripture as a personal name for two different men in the tribe of Asher, reflecting how Hebrew names often described circumstances or geography rather than abstract virtues.
One Sham-mah is listed among King David’s mighty warriors in 2 Samuel 23:11 as the son of Agee. The other is recorded in 1 Chronicles 7:37 as a descendant of Asher, the son of Zophar and brother to Suah. Though their stories are brief genealogical entries, the shared name highlights how common this term was among Israelites living near or identifying with arid regions.
The root meaning connects directly to the Hebrew word for desert (shemamah). This suggests families may have chosen the name to commemorate a journey through wilderness, a place of refuge, or simply as a descriptive label. In both biblical records, Sham-mah serves as a link in the lineage of Asher, preserving tribal identity during the periods of United and Divided Monarchy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Sham-mah carries the weight of desert landscapes, reminding us that God’s presence is not limited to fertile valleys or comfortable settings. When Scripture records individuals with names drawn from arid places, it signals that identity and faithfulness can flourish even in harsh conditions. This word connects directly to the Hebrew concept of a wasteland, yet its appearance in biblical genealogies shows how ordinary people carried their stories into God’s larger narrative.
For your life today, this name offers quiet encouragement. You may find yourself in seasons that feel barren or uncertain, much like the desert imagery embedded in Sham-mah. The Bible does not promise an easy path, but it does show that God remembers those who walk through difficult terrain with integrity. Your current circumstances do not define your worth; they are simply part of the journey where God meets you.
Whether you are facing personal trials or communal challenges, remember that faithfulness in small things matters deeply to God. The names recorded in Scripture are not just historical footnotes but reminders that every life has value in His eyes. Trust that He is working even when the landscape around you feels empty or challenging.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Shamma1×
- Shamma1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שַׁמָּ֥א1×
- וְ/שַׁמָּ֧א1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 23:11
After him was Shammah the son of Agee a Hararite. The Philistines had gathered together into a troop where there was a plot of ground full of lentils; and the people fled from the Philistines.
This verse highlights Sham-mah as a mighty warrior who stood firm in defense of a lentil field, showing courage and loyalty in the face of enemy forces.
-
I Chronicles 7:37
Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera.
Here Sham-mah appears in Asher’s genealogy, preserving tribal lineage and demonstrating how God values even brief mentions of ordinary family members.