שִׁמְאָם (shim.am)
shim.am
Shimeam
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Shim’am refers to a specific individual from the tribe of Benjamin during the era of the divided monarchy. He is identified as the son of Mikloth and appears in the genealogical records found in 1 Chronicles. The text notes that he is also known by the variant spelling Shimeah, indicating these names likely refer to the same person within the biblical lineage.
Linguistically, Shim’am translates to “their fame,” a meaningful title for a tribal ancestor whose name was preserved in Israel’s historical records. This single figure serves as a connective thread in the genealogies of Benjamin, linking earlier generations to those who returned from exile. His inclusion highlights the importance of family lineage in maintaining tribal identity during this period.
The variation between Shim’am and Shimeah reflects common shifts in Hebrew transcription over time or across different manuscript traditions. By preserving both forms, the biblical text ensures that readers can trace this ancestor regardless of which spelling they encounter. This attention to detail underscores the care taken in recording the history of Israel’s tribes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shim’am, meaning “their fame,” appears in the genealogies of Benjamin in 1 Chronicles. While it may seem like a minor detail, these records show that God values every individual in His people’s history. Even those not widely known by name are remembered and preserved in Scripture.
This verse highlights how families were central to Israel’s identity. The mention of living near relatives in Jerusalem suggests community and continuity. For believers today, it reminds us that our own stories matter to God, even when they feel small or unnoticed.
God’s care extends to every generation. By preserving these names, He assures us that no one is forgotten. This offers comfort to those who wonder if their lives leave a mark—Scripture says they do, because God remembers.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Shimeam1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שִׁמְאָ֑ם1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 9:38
Mikloth became the father of Shimeam. They also lived with their relatives in Jerusalem, near their relatives.
This verse identifies Shim’am as the son of Mikloth and notes his family’s residence near relatives in Jerusalem, emphasizing tribal continuity.