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שֶׁ֫מַע (she.ma)

she.ma

Shema

H8087 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 5 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
5 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Shema, meaning "hear," appears in Scripture as a personal identifier for several distinct men across different tribes. In the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, it marks a Judaite son of Hebron and a Reubenite descendant of Joel, anchoring these figures within the broader lineage of Israel’s tribal families.

Its usage extends beyond mere identification, evoking the act of listening or obedience inherent in its root. The name surfaces again in Nehemiah during the public reading of the Law, where an individual named Shema stands beside Ezra, symbolizing the community's attentive response to God's word.

This brief occurrence highlights how a simple verb becomes a lasting legacy. By bearing this name, these men are remembered not just for their lineage, but as representatives of a people called to listen and respond to divine instruction.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Shema carries a simple but profound weight: it means "to hear." In ancient Israel, hearing was not merely about receiving sound waves; it was an invitation to pay close attention and respond with obedience. When we see this name attached to various men in the Bible, from the genealogies of Judah and Reuben to the public gathering in Nehemiah, we are reminded that our identity is often tied to how we listen to God.

Consider the scene in Nehemiah where Shema stands beside Ezra during the reading of the Law. This was not a passive moment. The community gathered to hear Scripture read aloud, and their presence signifies a willingness to let God's words shape their lives. For you today, this invites a gentle reflection on your own listening habits. Do you treat Scripture as a historical record or as a living voice that speaks into your current circumstances?

God desires a people who listen with intent. This name serves as a quiet reminder that faith begins in the ear and moves to the heart. As you navigate your daily walk, may you find peace in the assurance that God is speaking, and grace for the moments when you choose to pause and pay attention.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • and/ Shema4×
  • Shema1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • שֶׁ֖מַע1×
  • וָ/שָֽׁמַע\׃1×
  • וָ/שֶׁ֔מַע1×
  • וְ/שֶׁ֣מַע1×
  • וְ/שֶׁ֡מַע1×

Key Verses

  • Nehemiah 8:4
    Ezra the scribe stood on a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

    This verse captures Shema's role as a representative of the community standing attentively beside Ezra, highlighting the corporate act of listening to the Law.

  • I Chronicles 2:43
    The sons of Hebron: Korah, Tappuah, Rekem, and Shema.

    Here Shema is listed among the sons of Hebron, anchoring the name within the tribal lineage of Judah and showing its use as a personal identifier.

  • I Chronicles 5:8
    and Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who lived in Aroer, even to Nebo and Baal Meon;

    This occurrence places Shema in the genealogy of Reuben, illustrating how the name persisted across different tribes and generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Shema mean?

Shema is a Hebrew name that means "hears" or "listen." It comes from the root verb shama, which implies not just auditory perception but also understanding and obedience.

Who are the people named Shema in the Bible?

The name appears several times in genealogies, such as in 1 Chronicles 2 and 5, identifying men from the tribes of Judah and Reuben. It also appears in Nehemiah 8:4, where a man named Shema stands with Ezra during the public reading of the Law.

Why is Shema significant in Nehemiah?

In Nehemiah 8:4, Shema is listed among those standing beside Ezra. His presence symbolizes the community's readiness to listen to God's word, making the name a representative figure for attentive worship.

Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)

I Chronicles 4 verses
I Chronicles 2:43

The sons of Hebron: Korah, Tappuah, Rekem, and Shema.

I Chronicles 2:44

Shema became the father of Raham, the father of Jorkeam; and Rekem became the father of Shammai.

I Chronicles 5:8

and Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who lived in Aroer, even to Nebo and Baal Meon;

I Chronicles 8:13

and Beriah and Shema, who were heads of fathers’ households of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who put to flight the…

Nehemiah 1 verse