שְׁמָע

Shema, a place in Palestine

Definition

Shema is a proper noun referring to a town in the territory of Judah, located in the Negev region of ancient Palestine. It is listed among the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah after the conquest of Canaan. The name itself means 'a hearing' or 'report,' likely derived from the Hebrew root for hearing. This single biblical reference (Joshua 15:26) identifies it as one of the southernmost settlements in Judah's inheritance.

Biblical Usage

The word 'Shema' is used only once in the Old Testament, specifically in Joshua 15:26. It appears in a list of cities within the tribal allotment for Judah, situated in the Negev district. This context is purely geographical, serving to document the territory given to the tribe. There are no narrative stories or other usages associated with this place name.

Etymology

The name Shema (שְׁמָע) is a proper noun derived from the common Hebrew root שָׁמַע (shama, H8087), which means 'to hear,' 'to listen,' or 'to obey.' It is essentially the noun form of that verb, meaning 'a hearing' or 'a report.' As a place name, it likely described a location known for something heard or reported, though the specific reason for the name is lost to history.

Semantic Range

As a place name in the Negev, Shema was part of the arid southern frontier of Judah. Naming towns with words related to actions or events (like 'hearing') was common in the ancient Near East, often commemorating a local story, characteristic, or event. Its inclusion in a detailed town list (Joshua 15:21-32) underscores the importance of land inheritance as a fulfillment of God's promise to the tribes of Israel, reflecting the cultural and covenantal significance of territorial boundaries.

Shim'a (שִׁמְעָא, H8091) — A personal name (son of David), also derived from the same root. Shemaiah (שְׁמַעְיָה, H8098) — A common prophetic name meaning 'Yahweh has heard,' combining the root with the divine name.

Word Details

Scripture References