שַׁמְשְׁרַי (sham.she.ray)

sham.she.ray

Shamsherai

H8125 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Shamsherai appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 8:26. It identifies a specific individual from the tribe of Benjamin during the period of the Divided Monarchy. He is listed as the son of Jeroham and is part of a larger family structure that includes siblings such as Shehariah and Zichri.

Linguistically, the name means "sunlike" or "of the sun." This etymology connects him to other biblical figures whose names reference celestial bodies, reflecting a cultural practice of invoking divine or natural imagery in personal identity. As a proper noun with a single scriptural occurrence, it serves primarily as a historical marker within the tribal records rather than carrying independent theological weight.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Names in the Bible often carry deep meaning, pointing to character or destiny. The name Shamsherai means "sunlike," suggesting a person who reflects light or warmth. While this individual appears only once in Scripture, his inclusion reminds us that every member of God’s people matters.

In 1 Chronicles 8:26, he is listed among the descendants of Benjamin. This genealogy shows how God keeps detailed records of families and tribes. It is a comfort to know that our lives are known and valued by Him, even when we feel small or unnoticed in history.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

and/ Shamsherai1×

Forms in the text

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

וְ/שַׁמְשְׁרַ֥י1×

Key Verses

I Chronicles 8:26
Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah,

This verse records Shamsherai as a son of Jeroham, anchoring his identity within the tribal lineage of Benjamin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Shamsherai mean?

The name Shamsherai is Hebrew and means "sunlike" or "of the sun." It reflects a cultural practice of using celestial imagery in personal names during biblical times.

Where does Shamsherai appear in the Bible?

He appears only once, in 1 Chronicles 8:26. He is listed as a son of Jeroham within the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin.

Why is this name significant?

While it does not carry independent theological weight, its presence highlights the importance of family lineage and God’s attention to detail in recording His people’s history.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

I Chronicles 1 verse

I Chronicles 8:26

Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah,