שְׁמִידָעִי (she.mi.da.i)
she.mi.da.i
Shemidaite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The Hebrew term shemidaite functions as a gentilic adjective identifying a descendant of Shemida, a figure within the tribe of Manasseh. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, serving to classify members of this specific family line during the wilderness period. The word derives directly from the personal name Shemida, which some sources associate with the meaning "wise," though its primary function here is genealogical rather than descriptive of character.
Its sole occurrence is found in Numbers 26:32, where it distinguishes this branch of Manasseh’s descendants from others. By using this label, the text preserves the identity of Shemida’s sons—Ahian, Shechem, Likhi, and Aniam—within the broader census of Israelite tribes. This rare usage highlights how ancient Israelite society tracked lineage through such specific familial markers, ensuring that each clan remained distinct within the tribal structure.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This rare word appears in a census list, marking a specific family line within the tribe of Manasseh. While genealogies can feel distant or dry, they show that God keeps careful track of every individual and clan. The name Shemidaite identifies descendants who were counted among God’s people during their journey through the wilderness.
It reminds us that our identity is rooted in belonging to a larger story. Just as these families were recorded by name, we are known personally by God. This isn't just about ancient history; it reflects a truth that your place in God's family is secure and remembered, no matter how small your role might seem.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Shemidaite[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/שְּׁמִידָעִ֑י1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 26:32
and Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites; and Hepher, the family of the Hepherites.
This verse uses the term to distinguish Shemida’s descendants from other families in Manasseh during a post-plague census.