שַׁמְלַי

Shamlai, one of the Nethinim

Definition

Shamlai is a proper name referring to an individual listed among the Nethinim, a class of temple servants, in the post-exilic period. The name appears only in the list of returning exiles in Ezra 2:46 (parallel Nehemiah 7:48). As a Nethinim, Shamlai was part of a group dedicated to performing menial duties in the temple, assisting the Levites. The name itself is likely a variant or corruption of the name 'Salmai' (H8014), as indicated by the KJV marginal reading.

Biblical Usage

The word is used exclusively as a proper name in a single genealogical list. It occurs in Ezra 2:46, which records the families who returned from the Babylonian exile under Zerubbabel. The context is purely administrative, listing the heads of households among the Nethinim. There are no narrative uses or patterns beyond this one occurrence in a census document.

Etymology

The name Shamlai (שַׁמְלַי) is considered a textual variant or corruption of the name Salmai (שַׂלְמַי, H8014). Salmai likely derives from the root שׂלם (s-l-m), related to concepts of 'recompense' or 'reward,' or possibly from a word for a garment ('simlah'). The shift in the initial consonant from 'sin' (שׂ) to 'shin' (שׁ) is a known phonetic variation in biblical names.

Semantic Range

As a Nethinim, Shamlai belonged to a hereditary class of temple servants, often considered descendants of the Gibeonites (Joshua 9) or prisoners of war dedicated to temple service. Their role was vital for the daily functioning of the Second Temple, handling menial tasks to free the Levites for more sacred duties. This listing in Ezra underscores the importance of every individual and family group in the restoration of proper worship, even those in humble, supportive roles.

Salmai (H8014) — The likely original form of the name, from which 'Shamlai' is a variant.

Word Details

Scripture References