שִׁמְעִי (shim.i)
shim.i
Shimeite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The Hebrew term shim.i functions as a gentilic adjective, identifying individuals as members of the Shimeite clan within the tribe of Levi. Derived from the name Shimei, which means "renowned," the word distinguishes this specific lineage descended from Gershon, son of Levi. It appears primarily in genealogical records and census lists that document the organization of Israel’s tribes during the wilderness period.
This designation is most prominent in Numbers 3:21, where the Shimeites are listed alongside other Gershonite families to account for their responsibilities regarding the tabernacle’s coverings and hangings. The term also surfaces in Zechariah 12:13 as part of a prophetic list of tribal leaders who will display mourning, highlighting how these ancient clan names retained significance centuries later.
As a descriptor rather than a personal name, shim.i emphasizes communal identity over individual status. It serves to anchor the reader in the structured hierarchy of Israel’s worship system, reminding us that service in the sanctuary was organized by family lines with distinct roles and heritages.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Shimei identifies a specific clan within the tribe of Levi, tracing its lineage back to Gershon. In the Old Testament, this name appears in genealogies that organized Israel’s worship system. It reminds us that God values order and community. Each family had a role in caring for the tabernacle, showing that service was a shared responsibility rooted in heritage.
This ancient designation carries a quiet lesson for believers today. Just as the Shimeites were known by their family line, we are part of a larger spiritual family. Our identity is not defined by individual status but by our place in God’s people. This connection offers stability and purpose, grounding us in a history that stretches back to the wilderness.
Even centuries later, this name resurfaced in prophetic visions. In Zechariah, it appears in a list of leaders mourning for their land. This shows how these clan names retained significance long after the initial settlement. It highlights the enduring nature of community bonds and the importance of remembering who we are in relation to God and each other.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Shimeite[s]2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/שִּׁמְעִי֙1×
- הַ/שִּׁמְעִ֑י1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 3:21
Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimeites. These are the families of the Gershonites.
This verse establishes the Shimeites as a distinct family within the Gershonite clan, responsible for specific duties regarding the tabernacle's coverings.
-
Zechariah 12:13
the family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of the Shimeites apart, and their wives apart;
The term appears here in a prophetic context, listing the Shimeite family among those who mourn, showing the lasting memory of these tribal lines.