שְׁמִינִי (she.mi.ni)
she.mi.ni
eighth
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 24 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective shemini denotes the ordinal number "eighth." Derived from the root for eight, it appears twenty-four times in the Old Testament, with a significant concentration in Leviticus and the historical books of Chronicles and Kings. It functions primarily as a temporal marker, specifying events that occur on or after the completion of a seven-day cycle.
A defining feature of this word is its association with new beginnings and completion. In Leviticus 9:1, Moses instructs Aaron to present offerings "on the eighth day," marking the culmination of seven days of consecration before God’s glory appears. Similarly, circumcision is prescribed for the eighth day in Leviticus 12:3, establishing a covenant sign at the start of a new week. This pattern suggests that the eighth day represents a transition from the old order into a fresh, sanctified state.
The term also carries a specific musical meaning in the context of temple worship. In 1 Chronicles 15:21 and Psalms 6:1, shemini refers to an instrument or voice pitched at the lowest range, often translated as "sheminith" or "octave." This usage highlights the depth and gravity of the music, providing a resonant foundation for the liturgical songs performed in the temple.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shemini simply means eighth, but in Scripture it carries a quiet weight of new beginnings. After seven days of completion or preparation, the eighth day marks a transition into something fresh. In Leviticus, Moses calls Aaron and his sons on the eighth day for offerings that signal God’s presence among His people. This pattern shows us that faith often involves waiting through a full cycle before stepping into a renewed state.
Even in times of ritual cleansing or covenant signs like circumcision, the eighth day stands as a moment of restoration. It reminds us that God’s timing brings order to chaos and offers peace after seasons of waiting. When you feel stuck in routine or uncertainty, this word invites trust that a new chapter is possible.
Whether used for temple music pitched low and deep or for solemn assemblies after feasts, shemini points to depth and gravity. It suggests that our lives, like worship, have moments of foundation-laying before moving forward. God’s grace often arrives not in the middle of struggle, but at the edge of a completed season, offering hope for what comes next.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 24 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ eighth21×
- the/ eighth3×
- [was] the/ eighth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/שְּׁמִינִ֔י7×
- הַ/שְּׁמִינִ֗י4×
- הַ/שְּׁמִינִי֙3×
- הַ/שְּׁמִינִ֣י2×
- הַ/שְּׁמִינִ֛י2×
- הַ/שְּׁמִינִ֖י2×
- הַ/שְּׁמִינִ֑י2×
- הַ/שְּׁמִינִֽי\׃1×
- הַ/שְּׁמִינִ֡י1×
- הַ/שְּׁמִינִ֔ת1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 9:1
On the eighth day, Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel;
This verse marks the culmination of consecration as Moses calls Aaron on the eighth day for offerings that precede God’s visible glory.
-
Leviticus 12:3
In the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.
Here the word establishes a covenant sign by prescribing circumcision on the eighth day, linking physical identity with spiritual belonging.
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I Kings 8:66
On the eighth day he sent the people away; and they blessed the king, and went to their tents joyful and glad in their hearts for all the goodness that Yahweh had shown to David his servant, and to Israel his people.
The phrase captures the joy of Israel’s people as they depart after Solomon’s dedication feast, showing how completed worship leads to blessing.
-
Nehemiah 8:18
Also day by day, from the first day to the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. They kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according to the ordinance.
This occurrence ties the eighth day to a solemn assembly following seven days of reading the law, highlighting communal reflection and renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word shemini mean?
Why is the eighth day significant in the Bible?
How is shemini used in temple worship?
Where else does this word appear besides Leviticus?
Every Occurrence (24 verses across 7 books)
Leviticus 10 verses
On the eighth day, Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel;
Leviticus 12:3In the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.
Leviticus 14:10“On the eighth day he shall take two male lambs without defect, one ewe lamb a year old without defect, three tenths of…
Leviticus 14:23“On the eighth day he shall bring them for his cleansing to the priest, to the door of the Tent of Meeting, before…
Leviticus 15:14“‘On the eighth day he shall take two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, and come before Yahweh to the door of the Tent…
Leviticus 15:29On the eighth day she shall take two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, and bring them to the priest, to the door of…
Leviticus 22:27“When a bull, a sheep, or a goat is born, it shall remain seven days with its mother. From the eighth day on it shall…
Leviticus 23:36Seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to Yahweh. On the eighth day shall be a holy convocation to you.…
Leviticus 23:39“‘So on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the fruits of the land, you shall keep the…
Leviticus 25:22You shall sow the eighth year, and eat of the fruits from the old store until the ninth year. Until its fruits come in,…