שִׁמְרִי (shim.ri)
shim.ri
Shimri
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Shimri appears only four times in the Hebrew Bible, scattered across the genealogies and lists of 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles. It identifies several distinct men: a Simeonite ancestor, the father of one of David’s mighty warriors, a Merarite Levite, and a Kohathite Levite involved in temple duties during Hezekiah’s reforms. Despite these different roles and tribal affiliations, the name itself carries a consistent meaning.
Derived from the root shamar, Shimri means "vigilant" or "watchful." This etymology is significant because it reflects a quality valued across Israel’s social structure. Whether in the tribe of Simeon, among King David’s elite soldiers, or within the Levitical orders responsible for guarding the temple, the name suggests a person defined by alertness and faithful responsibility.
The repetition of this name in such varied contexts highlights how personal identity was often tied to spiritual character. For the warriors, vigilance meant readiness for battle; for the Levites, it meant careful stewardship of sacred spaces. The sources do not provide narratives for these individuals, but their names serve as a quiet testimony to the importance of watchfulness in ancient Israelite life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shimri comes from a Hebrew root meaning to keep or watch over. It appears in the Bible not as part of a story, but within lists of ancestors and temple workers. This suggests that being watchful was seen as a core trait for those serving God, whether they were warriors protecting the king or Levites guarding the sanctuary.
For you, this word reminds us that faithfulness often looks like quiet alertness. It is not always about dramatic moments, but about staying steady in your daily duties. Just as these men were remembered for their roles, your consistent care for others and your attention to God’s presence are noticed and valued.
Watchfulness is a form of love. It means paying attention to what matters most. When you stay present with your family or faithful in your small tasks, you reflect this same spirit of careful stewardship. It is a gentle call to live with intention, knowing that your steady presence makes a difference.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Shimri4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שִׁמְרִ֖י2×
- שִׁמְרִ֤י1×
- שִׁמְרִ֔י1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 11:45
Jediael the son of Shimri, and Joha his brother, the Tizite,
This verse links Shimri to Jediael, showing the name appears among David’s elite warriors, where vigilance was essential for physical protection.
-
II Chronicles 29:13
and of the sons of Elizaphan, Shimri and Jeuel; and of the sons of Asaph, Zechariah and Mattaniah;
Here Shimri is listed among Levites assisting in Hezekiah’s temple reforms, highlighting that watchfulness also involves careful stewardship of sacred things.
-
I Chronicles 4:37
and Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah—
This genealogical entry places Shimri in the tribe of Simeon, illustrating how the name carried a sense of identity and responsibility across different tribes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Shimri mean?
Why does Shimri appear in different tribes?
Is Shimri a major biblical character?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
I Chronicles 3 verses
and Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah—
I Chronicles 11:45Jediael the son of Shimri, and Joha his brother, the Tizite,
I Chronicles 26:10Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons: Shimri the chief (for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father…