שֹׁמַע
a report
Definition
The Hebrew noun שֹׁמַע (shômaʻ) refers to a report, news, or tidings that is heard. It denotes information that is circulated, often concerning significant events or the reputation of a person or nation. In Joshua 6:27, it describes the widespread 'fame' or report of Joshua that spread through the land following the fall of Jericho. In Jeremiah 6:24, it carries the sense of alarming 'news' or a 'report' of an approaching enemy, evoking a response of distress. Thus, the word can imply either positive renown or distressing news, depending on the context.
Biblical Usage
This word is used four times in the Old Testament, primarily in historical and prophetic contexts. It appears in narratives to describe the spread of a person's reputation, as with Joshua's fame (Joshua 6:27) and the report of the Israelites that reached the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:9). In prophetic literature, it conveys the troubling news of impending judgment, as in Jeremiah 6:24. It also appears in Esther 9:4, referring to Mordecai's growing 'fame' or prestige within the Persian empire. The usage shows a pattern of describing impactful information that shapes perception and prompts action.
Etymology
שֹׁמַע is a noun derived from the common Hebrew root שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085), which means 'to hear,' 'to listen,' or 'to obey.' The noun form essentially means 'a thing heard' or 'that which is heard.' This connection to hearing underscores that the information (the report or fame) is acquired and disseminated through auditory channels. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Akkadian šemû ('to hear'), reinforcing the core concept of hearing as the source of the report.
Semantic Range
This word highlights the biblical theme of God's acts becoming known among the nations. A 'report' or 'fame' (שֹׁמַע) often follows God's mighty works, serving as a testimony to His power and sovereignty, as seen with Joshua (Joshua 6:27). Conversely, reports of trouble can reflect the consequences of covenant disobedience, as in Jeremiah's prophecies. Understanding this term enriches reading by showing how information—whether of blessing or judgment—spreads as part of God's unfolding story, impacting both Israel and the surrounding peoples.
In an ancient Near Eastern context without mass media, a 'report' (שֹׁמַע) traveled by word of mouth, messengers, or traders. Such news could significantly alter political alliances (as with the Gibeonites in Joshua 9:9) or a person's social standing (as with Mordecai in Esther 9:4). The speed and reliability of a report were limited, making its arrival a moment of potential crisis or celebration. This contrasts with the instant, often overwhelming flow of information in the modern world.
שְׁמוּעָה (shemûʻâh, H8052) — a more common term for 'news' or 'report,' often used for tidings, whether good or bad. שֵׁם (shêm, H8034) — 'name' or 'reputation'; focuses more on the enduring character or renown of a person rather than the circulating report itself. קוֹל (qôl, H6963) — 'voice' or 'sound'; the actual auditory phenomenon, whereas שֹׁמַע is the content or message that is heard.
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.
Full methodology & sources →