שַׁמָּה
Shammah, the name of an Edomite and four Israelites
Definition
Shammah is a proper name borne by several individuals in the Old Testament. It primarily refers to Shammah, the third son of Jesse and brother of King David (1 Samuel 16:9, 17:13). Another significant figure is Shammah son of Agee, one of David's mighty warriors known for his courageous defense of a field against the Philistines (2 Samuel 23:11-12). The name also appears in Edomite genealogies as a grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:13, 17; 1 Chronicles 1:37) and in the lists of David's other warriors (2 Samuel 23:25, 33).
Biblical Usage
The name Shammah is used exclusively as a personal name in the Old Testament, appearing eight times across historical and genealogical contexts. It is found in the narratives of Genesis (the Edomite lineage), 1-2 Samuel (David's family and warriors), and 1 Chronicles (a parallel genealogy). Its usage is consistent as an identifier for specific male individuals, with no variation in meaning between passages.
Etymology
The name Shammah (שַׁמָּה) is identical to the common noun shammah (H8047), which means 'ruin,' 'desolation,' or 'astonishment.' It is derived from the root שָׁמֵם (shamem), meaning 'to be desolate' or 'to appall.' As a name, it likely carried a sense of 'awe-inspiring' or was given in a context remembering desolation, a practice not uncommon in Hebrew naming conventions.
Semantic Range
While primarily a personal name, the individuals named Shammah contribute to key biblical themes. Shammah the warrior exemplifies the Lord's deliverance through faithful courage, as his victory was attributed to God (2 Samuel 23:12). His story, and the inclusion of the name in sacred genealogies, underscores God's faithfulness in recording and working through the lives of individuals—both prominent and lesser-known—within the larger story of His covenant people.
In ancient Semitic culture, names were often significant and descriptive. Bearing a name like Shammah ('desolation' or 'awe') may have reflected circumstances at birth, a parental hope, or an attribute. The multiple individuals with this name highlight its use within both Israelite and related Edomite societies. The heroic account of Shammah the warrior reflects the high cultural value placed on defending one's family and land.
As a proper name, direct synonyms are not applicable. It is etymologically linked to the common noun: shammah (H8047) — the common noun meaning 'ruin, desolation, waste,' from which the personal name is derived.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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