שְׁמַע (she.ma)
she.ma
to hear
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb shema means to hear, but in Scripture it carries a weight far beyond simple auditory perception. It describes an active engagement where hearing leads to understanding and response. While often translated as "hear," the word implies listening with the intent to obey or act on what is heard.
In the Old Testament, this term frequently appears in contexts of divine command and human obedience. For example, when God speaks through prophets, shema calls for a receptive heart that translates words into action. The sources note its use in Daniel, where characters are called to heed God’s message amidst political pressure. This usage highlights the word’s theological depth: true hearing is inseparable from faithful living.
Its root sense connects physical sound with moral attention. Unlike passive listening, shema demands a shift in behavior or belief. Translators sometimes render it as "obey" when the context makes this clear, showing how closely linked hearing and doing were in ancient Israelite thought. This connection remains central to understanding biblical faithfulness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shema carries a weight far beyond simple auditory perception. It describes an active engagement where hearing leads to understanding and response. When God speaks through prophets, this term calls for a receptive heart that translates words into action. True hearing is inseparable from faithful living, demanding a shift in behavior or belief.
In Daniel 3, characters face political pressure when commanded to hear the sound of music and worship an idol. The text highlights that real faithfulness means listening with intent to obey, even when it costs everything. This connection between hearing and doing remains central to understanding biblical trust. We are invited to let God’s voice shape our daily choices, not just fill our ears.
When we encounter difficult commands or confusing circumstances, we can remember that God desires our attentive hearts. He invites us to listen closely, seeking wisdom in His word rather than relying on our own understanding. This kind of listening brings peace and direction, grounding us in the reality that He hears us too.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will hear2×
- so/ they may obey1×
- he will hear1×
- and/ I have heard1×
- [were] hearing1×
- [are] hearing1×
- I have heard1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִשְׁמְע֡וּן2×
- שָׁמְעִ֛ין1×
- שָֽׁמְעִ֣ין1×
- שִׁמְעֵ֣ת1×
- יִשְׁמַ֡ע1×
- וְ/שִׁמְעֵ֣ת1×
- וְ/יִֽשְׁתַּמְּעֽוּן\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 3:10
You, O king, have made a decree that every man who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music shall fall down and worship the golden image;
This verse shows how shema is used to describe a decree requiring immediate obedience, highlighting the word's link between hearing and action.
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Daniel 5:23
but have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. You have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which don’t see, or hear, or know; and you have not glorified the God in whose hand your breath is, and whose are all your ways.
Here, the contrast between gods that cannot hear and the true God emphasizes that divine communication requires a responsive human heart.
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Daniel 7:27
The kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole sky, will be given to the people of the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions will serve and obey him.’
The phrase 'serve and obey' reflects the ultimate result of hearing God’s kingdom authority, showing how listening leads to submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does shema mean in Hebrew?
How is shema different from just hearing sounds?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 8 verses
that whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, you fall down…
Daniel 3:7Therefore at that time, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all…
Daniel 3:10You, O king, have made a decree that every man who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and…
Daniel 3:15Now if you are ready whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music…
Daniel 5:14I have heard of you, that the spirit of the gods is in you and that light, understanding, and excellent wisdom are…
Daniel 5:16But I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and dissolve doubts. Now if you can read the writing and…
Daniel 5:23but have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and…
Daniel 7:27The kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole sky, will be given to the people of the…