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שִׁמְעָא (shim.ah, shim.a)

shim.ah, shim.a

Shimea

H8092 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

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

Word Overview

The name Shimea, meaning "fame," appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily as a personal identifier for several distinct men across different tribal lines. The sources indicate it is used for a brother of David, the third son of Jesse, who is also known by variations like Shammah or Shimma (1 Samuel 16:9). This same individual is recorded as the father of Jonadab and appears in genealogical lists that trace the lineage of Judah.

Beyond the royal family, the name identifies Levites serving in the temple structure. One entry marks a Merarite Levite, son of Uzzah and father of Haggiah, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:30. Another distinct figure is a Gershonite Levite, grandfather of the singer Asaph. The repetition of this name highlights how common it was among Israel’s religious and royal households during the monarchy.

Translators often render these occurrences as Shimea or Shimei, noting that textual variations exist between Samuel and Chronicles. The consistency of the root meaning "fame" suggests a cultural value placed on reputation or renown within these families. The word itself does not carry theological weight beyond its function as a proper noun, serving to anchor specific individuals in the historical record of Israel’s tribes.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Shimea appears in Scripture as a marker of identity rather than a theological command. It connects us to the human side of biblical history, showing that God works through real families and distinct lineages. In 1 Chronicles, we see it attached to Jesse’s sons, reminding us that even those close to King David had their own place in the record.

When Jonathan, son of Shimea, stands against a giant in 1 Chronicles 20:7, the text highlights courage rooted in heritage. These names are not just labels; they anchor specific people in God’s ongoing story. We find comfort knowing that our ancestors, with all their ordinary and extraordinary moments, were part of a larger divine plan.

Reflecting on these entries invites us to consider how our own lives fit into the broader narrative of faith. Just as Shimea’s descendants are remembered, our actions and faithfulness contribute to the witness passed down through generations.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Shimea2×
  • and/ Shimea1×

Forms in the text

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

  • שִׁמְעָ֖א1×
  • שִׁ֠מְעָא1×
  • וְ/שִׁמְעָ֖א1×

Key Verses

  • I Chronicles 2:13
    and Jesse became the father of his firstborn Eliab, Abinadab the second, Shimea the third,

    This verse establishes Shimea as a brother of David, placing him directly within the royal lineage of Judah and highlighting his familial connection to Israel's greatest king.

  • I Chronicles 3:5
    and these were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon, four, by Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel;

    Here Shimea is listed among Solomon’s brothers in Jerusalem, showing how the name persisted in the immediate royal household after David’s reign began.

  • I Chronicles 20:7
    When he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea, David’s brother, killed him.

    This occurrence identifies Jonathan as the son of Shimea, linking a specific act of bravery against a giant to his father’s name and lineage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Shimea mean?

The name Shimea comes from a Hebrew root meaning 'fame' or 'hearing.' It was used as a personal identifier for several men in the Bible, including brothers of King David and descendants of Solomon.

Is Shimea the same person as Shimei?

They are distinct individuals with similar names. Shimea is primarily known as a brother of David or a son of Solomon, while Shimei is often associated with cursing David or being a Benjamite. Textual variations sometimes cause confusion between the two.

Why does this name appear multiple times in Chronicles?

The Chronicler records genealogies to show the continuity of Israel’s tribes and royal lines. Shimea appears in different contexts—first as Jesse’s son, then as Solomon’s brother—to trace the family tree accurately.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

I Chronicles 3 verses
I Chronicles 2:13

and Jesse became the father of his firstborn Eliab, Abinadab the second, Shimea the third,

I Chronicles 3:5

and these were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon, four, by Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel;

I Chronicles 20:7

When he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea, David’s brother, killed him.