שַׂמְלָה (sam.lah)
sam.lah
Samlah
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 Shemlah, derived from the Hebrew root for garment or clothing, appears in the genealogical records of the Bible as the title of a specific Edomite ruler. This individual is listed in Genesis 36:36 as the successor to Hadad and the predecessor to Ahiah, marking him within the lineage of kings who reigned in the land of Edom before the establishment of Israel’s monarchy.
Although the name occurs only four times in Scripture, its primary significance lies in these historical lists rather than in narrative action. The meaning "garment" is rare for personal names, yet it fits a pattern where titles or objects reflect cultural values or divine protection. In Chronicles and Genesis, Shemlah serves as a marker of political continuity among Edom’s early rulers, providing context for the region’s history during the patriarchal era.
Translators consistently render this name phonetically as Shemlah, preserving its distinct identity without attempting to translate the meaning into the English text. This approach highlights the name’s role as a proper identifier rather than a descriptive title within the narrative. The brevity of its biblical presence underscores how even minor figures in genealogies contribute to the broader historical tapestry of the ancient Near East.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Samlah appears in the genealogical lists of Genesis and Chronicles, marking a brief reign among the early kings of Edom. While these records may seem like dry historical data, they reveal that God’s providence extends over all nations, not just Israel. Every ruler, however minor, is part of a larger story where God remains sovereign.
Even in times of political change or uncertainty, we can find comfort in knowing that history is not random. The mention of Samlah reminds us that God knows the names and stories of every person, no matter how small their role appears. This offers peace to those who feel overlooked or insignificant.
When we read these ancient lists, we are invited to trust that God is writing a coherent story. Our lives, too, are part of this grand narrative. We can rest in the knowledge that our days are known and held by Him, even when the future feels unclear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Samlah4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שַׂמְלָ֖ה2×
- שַׂמְלָ֑ה2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 36:36
Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place.
This verse introduces Samlah as a successor to Hadad, showing the continuity of Edom's royal line.
-
Genesis 36:37
Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the river, reigned in his place.
Here, Samlah's death marks the end of his brief reign and the beginning of Shaul's rule.
-
I Chronicles 1:47
Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place.
The Chronicler repeats this lineage to affirm the historical accuracy of Edom's early kings.
-
I Chronicles 1:48
Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the River reigned in his place.
This final mention confirms the transition of power after Samlah's death, closing the account.