שְׁמִידָ֑ע (she.mi.da)
she.mi.da
Shemida
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Shemida is a proper name found in three verses, primarily within Numbers, Joshua, and 1 Chronicles. It identifies a specific man from the tribe of Manasseh, living during the time of the Exodus and wilderness wanderings. He appears first in Numbers 26:32 as the son of Gilead and grandson of Manasseh, placing him in the second generation of Israelites born in Egypt.
The name itself carries a meaning related to wisdom or knowledge, often translated as "wise" or "he knows." Beyond identifying an individual, Shemida serves as the progenitor of a distinct family line within the clan of Manasseh. His descendants are listed in Numbers 26 and Joshua 17, including sons such as Ahian, Shechem, Likhi, and Aniam, establishing his role as an ancestor for later generations.
The adjective form, Shemidaite (H8062), appears in the biblical text to denote membership in this specific family group. This linguistic marker helps trace the genealogical structure of the tribe, highlighting how individual patriarchs like Shemida formed the basis for larger tribal divisions and land inheritances described in the historical books.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Names in Scripture often carry weight beyond simple identification. Shemida, meaning 'he knows' or 'wise', appears in genealogies that map the growth of Israel from a single family into a great nation. His inclusion reminds us that God keeps careful track of every lineage and individual within His people.
These records are not merely lists of ancestors but evidence of God's faithfulness across generations. The descendants of Shemida received their inheritance in the Promised Land, showing how God honors the steps of those who walk with Him. We too are part of a larger story, connected to past believers and future generations.
When we read these names, we see that no one is forgotten. Each person plays a role in God's unfolding plan. This awareness brings comfort, knowing that our lives matter to God just as much as those ancient patriarchs did.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Shemida2×
- and/ Shemida1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שְׁמִידָ֑ע2×
- וּ/שְׁמִידָ֕ע1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 26:32
and Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites; and Hepher, the family of the Hepherites.
This verse establishes Shemida as a distinct family unit within the tribe of Manasseh during the census, highlighting his role in the second generation's structure.
-
Joshua 17:2
So this was for the rest of the children of Manasseh according to their families: for the children of Abiezer, for the children of Helek, for the children of Asriel, for the children of Shechem, for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida. These were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph according to their families.
Here Shemida's name appears among those receiving land inheritance, showing how his family line was recognized and blessed in the Promised Land.
-
I Chronicles 7:19
The sons of Shemida were Ahian, Shechem, Likhi, and Aniam.
This passage lists Shemida's sons, providing concrete details about his immediate descendants and confirming the continuity of his lineage.