שַׁמּוֹת
Shammoth, an Israelite
Definition
Shammoth is a proper noun referring to an Israelite warrior, specifically one of King David's mighty men, known as the 'Thirty' or 'Valiant Men' (1 Chronicles 11:27). The name itself is a plural form meaning 'ruins' or 'desolations,' derived from the root word for devastation. In its single biblical occurrence, it functions solely as a personal name, with no other semantic senses or applications in different passages. The individual is listed among David's elite fighters, highlighting his military valor and loyalty.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 11:27, within a list of David's mighty men. It appears in a historical, genealogical, and military context, specifically in the Chronicler's record of the warriors who supported David's kingship. There are no patterns of usage beyond this single proper noun reference to an individual.
Etymology
Shammoth (שַׁמּוֹת) is the plural form of the Hebrew noun shamah (H8047), which means 'ruin,' 'desolation,' or 'waste.' It derives from the root sh-m-m, conveying the sense of being appalled, devastated, or laid waste. As a personal name, it likely carried symbolic or descriptive meaning, possibly reflecting circumstances of birth or parental hopes, though its exact significance for the individual is not explained in scripture.
Semantic Range
While the name Shammoth itself is not theologically loaded, its context is significant. Being listed among David's mighty men (1 Chronicles 11:27) connects this individual to the theme of God raising up and using faithful, courageous people to establish and protect His chosen leadership. It underscores the value of loyalty and service in God's kingdom purposes, as recorded in Israel's historical records, which the Chronicler uses to affirm Davidic legacy and God's faithfulness to His people.
In ancient Israelite culture, names often held meaning, reflecting character, circumstances, or parental aspirations. 'Shammoth' ('ruins') might seem negative to modern readers, but such names could commemorate events or express hope for restoration from desolation. As one of David's warriors, this individual was part of a prestigious military elite, a group celebrated for their bravery and pivotal role in consolidating the kingdom, which was a source of national pride and identity.
No direct synonyms as a proper name, but related to the root: shamah (H8047) — the singular noun meaning 'ruin' or 'desolation,' from which Shammoth 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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