שִׁמְעִי (shim.i)
shim.i
Shimei
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 32 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Shimʿî means "renowned" or "famous," derived from the Hebrew root for hearing or fame. It appears in Scripture as a proper noun for at least twenty different men, spanning various tribes and generations. The most prominent figure bearing this name is Shimei, son of Gera, a Benjamite who cursed King David during Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 16:5). His story highlights the tension between personal grievance and royal authority, as David initially forbids his men from harming him but later commands Solomon to deal with him due to his past hostility.
Beyond this central narrative, the name identifies several Levites involved in temple service. One Shimei was a son of Gershon listed in Exodus 6:17, while others served as singers under Jeduthun or managed tithes during the reigns of Hezekiah and Solomon. The repetition of the name across such diverse roles suggests it was a common identifier among Israel’s leadership classes. Translators consistently render it as Shimei or Shimi, preserving its distinct phonetic identity throughout the biblical text.
Understanding Shimʿî requires recognizing its dual nature: a label for ordinary officials and a marker for significant historical conflict. While many bearers remain obscure figures in genealogies, the Benjamite Shimei stands out for his direct confrontation with David’s kingship. His eventual fate under Solomon illustrates how personal loyalty and political stability intersected in ancient Israel. The name itself, meaning "renowned," ironically contrasts with the obscurity of most who carried it, leaving only the controversial figure to dominate the narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shimei appears frequently in Scripture, yet it carries two very different weights depending on who is speaking. For the Levitical families and tribal leaders, it simply marks faithful service within the community structure. These individuals upheld their duties in temple worship or local administration, representing the steady, often unseen work that keeps Israel’s spiritual life intact.
However, the story of Shimei son of Gera offers a sharper lesson on grace and justice. When he cursed King David during his flight from Absalom, David chose restraint over revenge, trusting God with his vindication. This moment reveals how leaders are called to endure hostility without retaliating, leaving judgment to its proper time.
Ultimately, the name reminds us that human actions have consequences, but divine sovereignty oversees the outcome. Whether in quiet service or public conflict, our lives are held within a larger narrative where justice and mercy eventually meet.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 32 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Shimei20×
- and/ Shimei10×
- <to>/ Shimei2×
- to/ Shimei1×
- of/ Shimei1×
- and/ [belonged] to/ Shimei1×
- [was] Shimei1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שִׁמְעִ֥י3×
- שִׁמְעִ֗י3×
- שִׁמְעִ֖י3×
- שִׁמְעִ֔י3×
- שִׁמְעִֽי\׃2×
- שִׁמְעִ֛י2×
- לְ/שִׁמְעִ֔י2×
- וְ/שִׁמְעִ֣י2×
- שִׁמְעִֽי\׃\ \ס1×
- שִׁמְעִ֧י1×
- שִׁמְעִ֤י1×
- שִׁמְעִ֣י1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 16:5
When King David came to Bahurim, behold, a man of the family of Saul’s house came out, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera. He came out and cursed as he came.
This verse introduces Shimei son of Gera’s public curse against David, establishing the central conflict of his narrative.
-
I Kings 2:36
The king sent and called for Shimei, and said to him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem, and live there, and don’t go anywhere else.
Solomon’s command for Shimei to remain in Jerusalem marks the transition from David’s mercy to Solomon’s enforcement of justice.
-
Exodus 6:17
The sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei, according to their families.
This genealogical record identifies a Levite named Shimei, showing the name’s use among those dedicated to temple service.
-
I Kings 2:44
The king said moreover to Shimei, “You know in your heart all the wickedness that you did to David my father. Therefore Yahweh will return your wickedness on your own head.
Solomon reminds Shimei of his past wickedness against David, linking his fate directly to his actions toward the previous king.