שְׁמִירָמוֹת (she.mi.ra.mot)
she.mi.ra.mot
Shemiramoth
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Shemiramoth, meaning "name of heights," appears only four times in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the Chronicles. It identifies two different Levites from the tribe of Merari who served during the Divided Monarchy. The first is listed among the choir leaders appointed by King David to minister before the ark (1 Chronicles 15:18), holding a position of high honor in the second rank.
The second individual bearing this name appears later, serving under King Jehoshaphat as an official sent to teach the law throughout Judah’s fortified cities (2 Chronicles 17:7–9). While the text does not explicitly link them as father and son, the recurrence of this distinctive Merarite name in both the Davidic worship establishment and the later religious reforms highlights the enduring role of Levitical musicians and teachers in maintaining Israel’s spiritual life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shemiramoth means "name of heights," a title that reflects the elevated status of those who served in God’s presence. In the Old Testament, this name appears only four times, identifying Levites from the tribe of Merari who played vital roles in Israel’s worship and teaching. These individuals were not merely background figures; they were central to maintaining the spiritual rhythm of the nation.
One Shemiramoth was appointed by King David as a choir leader, standing in the second rank among musicians who ministered before the ark. This role required both musical skill and spiritual devotion, setting a tone for communal praise. Later, another Levite with the same name served under King Jehoshaphat, helping to teach the law in Judah’s fortified cities. His work ensured that God’s instructions reached people far beyond the capital.
These two instances show how worship and teaching went hand in hand in ancient Israel. The first Shemiramoth helped lead praise, while the second helped spread understanding of Scripture. Together, they illustrate a pattern where music and instruction support each other to keep the community connected to God. This word reminds us that serving God often involves both lifting voices and sharing truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Shemiramoth4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/שְׁמִֽירָמ֡וֹת2×
- וּ/שְׁמִֽירָמ֡וֹת1×
- וּ/שְׁמִֽירָמ֤וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 15:18
and with them their brothers of the second rank: Zechariah, Ben, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, the doorkeepers.
This verse places Shemiramoth in the second rank of choir leaders appointed by David, highlighting his honored position in leading worship before the ark.
-
I Chronicles 16:5
Asaph the chief, and second to him Zechariah, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, with stringed instruments and with harps; and Asaph with cymbals, sounding aloud;
Here Shemiramoth is listed among those playing stringed instruments and harps, showing his active role in the musical ministry that accompanied Asaph’s cymbals.
-
II Chronicles 17:8
and with them Levites, even Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests.
This occurrence shows a Levite named Shemiramoth serving as a teacher of the law alongside priests, demonstrating how worship leaders also became educators in Jehoshaphat’s reforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Shemiramoth mean?
How is Shemiramoth different from other Levite names?
Where does the name Shemiramoth appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
I Chronicles 3 verses
and with them their brothers of the second rank: Zechariah, Ben, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah,…
I Chronicles 15:20and Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with stringed instruments set to Alamoth;
I Chronicles 16:5Asaph the chief, and second to him Zechariah, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-Edom,…