סִסְמַי

סִסְמַי

Sismai, an Israelite

Definition

Sismai (סִסְמַי) is a proper noun referring to a descendant of Judah through the line of Jerahmeel, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 2:40. He is listed as the son of Eleasah and the father of Shallum, placing him within a specific genealogical chain that traces the lineage of the tribe of Judah. The name appears only in this genealogical context, with no additional narrative or historical details provided about his life or actions. His inclusion serves primarily to document the continuity of the family line from Judah down through the generations.

Biblical Usage

The word is used exactly once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 2:40, within a genealogical list. It functions solely as a personal name identifying an individual in the lineage of Jerahmeel, a son of Hezron from the tribe of Judah. There are no patterns of usage beyond this singular, archival record intended to preserve family history.

Etymology

The etymology of סִסְמַי (Sismai) is uncertain, as noted by most lexicons. It does not have a clear derivation from a known Hebrew root, making its original meaning obscure. It is likely a personal name of ancient origin, possibly with a meaning lost to time or derived from a non-Hebrew source.

Semantic Range

While Sismai himself is not a major theological figure, his inclusion in the genealogy of 1 Chronicles 2 holds theological significance. It demonstrates God's faithfulness in preserving the lineage of Judah, the tribe from which the Davidic monarchy and, ultimately, the Messiah would come (Genesis 49:10). These detailed records affirm the importance of each individual in God's covenantal plan and the reliability of Scripture's historical accounts. In ancient Israelite culture, genealogies were crucial for establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, and priestly lineage. Recording a name like Sismai, even without a story, affirmed his place in the community and the ongoing story of God's people. The preservation of such names highlights the cultural value placed on ancestry and continuity. No direct synonyms exist as it is a unique proper name. Other names in the same genealogical list include: Eleasah (אֶלְעָשָׂה, H501) — his father, Shallum (שַׁלּוּם, H7967) — his son.

Word Details