שִׁמְעָתִים (shim.a.ti)
shim.a.ti
Shimeathite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The term shimeathite refers to a specific family or clan mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, identified as scribes. It appears as a gentilic noun derived from the name Shimeath, which carries the meaning of "report" or "hearing." This linguistic root suggests a connection to those who received, recorded, or communicated information, fitting their role within the community.
This word occurs only once in Scripture, in 1 Chronicles 2:55. The text lists them among the descendants of Caleb, describing them as a family of scribes dwelling near other prominent groups like the Kenites and Hammathites. Their inclusion highlights the importance of written records and administrative roles within the tribal structure of ancient Israel.
As a rare proper noun, it serves primarily as a marker of identity and profession rather than conveying a theological concept. The sources indicate that its significance lies in documenting the existence of a specialized group responsible for writing or record-keeping during the period described in Chronicles.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read through the genealogies in Scripture, it is easy to feel disconnected from names that seem distant or unfamiliar. The mention of the Shimeathites reminds us that God values every role within His community. These were not just abstract figures but people with specific skills—scribes who recorded history and maintained records for their tribe.
In 1 Chronicles 2:55, they are listed alongside other families in Jabez. This detail shows that the work of writing and preserving truth was considered a vital part of Israel's identity. It suggests that faithfulness in our daily tasks, whether public or private, matters to God just as much as any grand spiritual event.
Perhaps this word encourages us to see our own contributions as part of a larger story. Just as these scribes helped preserve the lineage and laws of their people, we too have roles in sharing truth and supporting one another. Our quiet faithfulness becomes part of the enduring witness of the church.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Shimeathites1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שִׁמְעָתִ֖ים1×