שִׁמְעָה

Shimah, an Israelite

Definition

Shimʻâh is a proper noun referring to an Israelite man, specifically a son of Jesse and brother of King David (2 Samuel 13:3). The name is a variant spelling of Shimeah (as in the KJV) and Shammah, another brother listed in 1 Samuel 16:9. In the two biblical occurrences, Shimʻâh is noted as the father of Jonadab, a cunning friend of Amnon, and as the brother of David whose sons are mentioned in the context of Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 13:32). The name itself carries a meaning related to 'hearing' or 'report,' derived from its etymological root.

Biblical Usage

This name appears exclusively in the narrative of 2 Samuel, specifically in chapters 13 and 21, within the context of David's family dynamics and the turmoil following Amnon's assault on Tamar. In 2 Samuel 13:3, Jonadab is identified as the son of Shimʻâh, David's brother, highlighting a familial connection in a story of deceit. In 2 Samuel 13:32, Jonadab references 'the sons of Shimʻâh' when reporting Absalom's murder of Amnon, situating Shimʻâh within the broader network of David's lineage during a period of conflict.

Etymology

Shimʻâh is the feminine form of the noun שֵׁמַע (shēmaʿ, H8088), meaning 'report,' 'news,' or 'hearing.' It derives from the root שָׁמַע (shāmaʿ), meaning 'to hear.' As a proper name, it likely signifies 'annunciation' or 'hearing [of God],' reflecting a common Hebrew naming convention where names express divine attributes or hopes, similar to names like Samuel ('heard by God').

Semantic Range

While Shimʻâh as a personal name is not central to major doctrines, its etymological link to 'hearing' subtly connects to the biblical theme of heeding God's word. In its narrative context, the family of Shimʻâh is involved in events where 'hearing' reports—both true and false—drives pivotal actions (2 Samuel 13:32). This underscores the importance of discernment and truth in biblical communication, enriching readers' appreciation for how names can echo broader spiritual concepts even in minor characters.

In ancient Israelite culture, names often conveyed meaning or parental hopes, and Shimʻâh's association with 'hearing' may reflect a desire for the child to be attentive or for God to hear prayers. The variant spellings (e.g., Shimeah, Shammah) illustrate common phonetic flexibility in Hebrew personal names. As a brother of David, Shimʻâh's mention highlights the significance of familial ties and lineage in Israel's social structure, where extended family members played roles in royal narratives.

Shimeah (Shimʻâh, H8093) — variant spelling of the same name; Shammah (Shammâh, H8048) — another brother of David with a similar name, possibly a phonetic variation; Shemaiah (Shĕmaʻyâh, H8098) — a related name meaning 'heard by Yahweh,' from the same root.

Word Details

Scripture References