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שַׁמַּי (sham.may)

sham.may

Shammai

H8060 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 5 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

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

Word Overview

The name Shammai (sham.may) appears five times in the Hebrew Bible, almost exclusively within the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles. It identifies distinct men from the tribe of Judah during the era of the Divided Monarchy and earlier periods. The sources list three primary bearers: a son of Onam and descendant of Jerahmeel; a son of Rekem and father of Maon, linked to Caleb’s lineage; and a son of Mered, noted as the brother of Miriam.

Etymologically, the name derives from a root meaning "desolate" or "waste." While this might seem an unusual choice for a personal name, it reflects a common ancient practice of naming children with words that express a specific circumstance or prayer. In these biblical lists, Shammai serves as a crucial link connecting various branches of Judah’s family trees, illustrating the complex interweaving of clans like Jerahmeel and Caleb.

These occurrences are not narrative but structural, anchoring the historical identity of Judah’s tribes. The repetition of the name across different lineages highlights the importance of preserving ancestral heritage in post-exilic Jewish thought. By tracking Shammai, readers can trace how specific families maintained their distinct identities within the broader community of Israel.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Shammai appears in five verses within the Hebrew Bible, primarily serving as a structural link in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles. Etymologically, it derives from a root meaning "desolate" or "waste," a choice that reflects an ancient practice of naming children to mark specific circumstances or prayers. While this might seem unusual today, it reminds us that our identities are often shaped by the histories and trials of those who came before us.

These records anchor the historical identity of Judah’s tribes, connecting clans like Jerahmeel and Caleb through distinct family lines. In I Chronicles 4:17, Shammai is noted as the brother of Miriam, highlighting how personal relationships are preserved within these lists. By tracking these names, we see that God values the preservation of ancestral heritage and the distinct identities of families within the broader community of Israel.

For your faith life, this word invites you to appreciate the depth of history behind your own spiritual lineage. Just as Shammai connects various branches of Judah’s family trees, your place in the body of Christ is woven into a larger, enduring story. You are part of a community that values memory and connection, finding hope in the continuity of God’s people across generations.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Shammai6×

Forms in the text

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

  • שַׁמַּ֔י3×
  • שַׁמָּֽי\׃1×
  • שַׁמַּ֣י1×
  • שַׁמַּ֖י1×

Key Verses

  • I Chronicles 2:28
    The sons of Onam were Shammai and Jada. The sons of Shammai: Nadab and Abishur.

    This verse identifies Shammai as a son of Onam, establishing his place within the Jerahmeelite branch of Judah.

  • I Chronicles 4:17
    The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon; and Mered’s wife bore Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.

    Here Shammai is listed alongside Miriam and Ishbah, showing his role as a brother in Mered's household.

  • I Chronicles 2:45
    The son of Shammai was Maon; and Maon was the father of Beth Zur.

    This occurrence links Shammai to Maon, illustrating the direct line of descent from Rekem through Caleb’s lineage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Shammai mean?

The name Shammai comes from a Hebrew root meaning "desolate" or "waste." In ancient times, names often reflected specific circumstances or prayers, so this choice likely marked a particular moment in the family's history rather than a negative wish for the child.

Where does Shammai appear in the Bible?

Shammai appears five times in the Hebrew Bible, all within the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles. These verses connect different branches of the tribe of Judah, such as the families of Jerahmeel and Caleb.

Is Shammai a significant character in biblical narratives?

Shammai is not a narrative character who speaks or acts in stories. Instead, he serves a structural role in the Bible, helping to anchor the historical identity of Judah’s tribes and preserving the memory of ancestral heritage for post-exilic readers.

Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)

I Chronicles 5 verses
I Chronicles 2:28

The sons of Onam were Shammai and Jada. The sons of Shammai: Nadab and Abishur.

I Chronicles 2:32

The sons of Jada the brother of Shammai: Jether and Jonathan; and Jether died without children.

I Chronicles 2:44

Shema became the father of Raham, the father of Jorkeam; and Rekem became the father of Shammai.

I Chronicles 2:45

The son of Shammai was Maon; and Maon was the father of Beth Zur.

I Chronicles 4:17

The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon; and Mered’s wife bore Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of…