שֹׁהַם

Shoham, an Israelite

Definition

Shoham is a proper noun referring to an individual named in the Old Testament. In its sole biblical occurrence, it identifies a Levite, a son of Jaaziah from the clan of Merari (1 Chronicles 24:27). The name is identical to the Hebrew word for a precious gemstone, 'onyx' (H7718). As a personal name, it likely carried the symbolic meaning of the stone, possibly denoting value, beauty, or a desired quality in the bearer. There are no other biblical senses or differing meanings for this specific proper noun.

Biblical Usage

The word is used only once in the Old Testament, in a genealogical list within 1 Chronicles 24:27. It functions strictly as a personal name in this context, identifying one of the descendants of Merari who served in the Levitical divisions established by King David. No patterns of usage exist beyond this single, administrative record.

Etymology

The name Shoham is directly derived from the common noun שֹׁהַם (shoham, H7718), meaning 'onyx,' a precious stone. It is a theophoric or symbolic name, where the meaning of the common noun is applied to a person. Cognates for the stone exist in other Semitic languages, like Akkadian 'sāmtu.' The development is straightforward: from a concrete object (a gem) to a personal name evoking the qualities of that object.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, names were often significant and descriptive. Naming a child after a valuable gemstone like onyx (shoham) was likely intended to ascribe worth, beauty, or a blessed status to the individual. The onyx stone itself was used in the high priest's ephod (Exodus 28:9), associating it with holiness and priestly service, which is contextually fitting for a Levitical name.

There are no direct synonyms for this proper noun. The related common noun is: שֹׁהַם (shoham, H7718) — the precious stone 'onyx,' from which the personal name is derived.

Word Details

Scripture References