שִׁלֵּם

שִׁלֵּם

Shillem, an Israelite

Definition

Shillem is a proper name belonging to an Israelite from the tribe of Naphtali. He is listed as one of the sons of Naphtali in the genealogical records found in Genesis 46:24 and Numbers 26:49. In these contexts, the name identifies a specific individual within the tribal lineage, contributing to the historical record of Israel's family structure. The name itself is identical to the Hebrew word for 'retribution' or 'recompense' (שִׁלֵּם), though the biblical text does not explicitly connect the personal name to this meaning.

Biblical Usage

The name Shillem is used exclusively in two Old Testament genealogical lists. It appears in the foundational genealogy of Jacob's family going down to Egypt (Genesis 46:24) and is repeated in the census of the Israelites taken in the plains of Moab before entering the Promised Land (Numbers 26:49). Its usage is strictly as a personal identifier within the tribe of Naphtali, with no narrative or descriptive action attached to the individual.

Etymology

The name Shillem (שִׁלֵּם) is linguistically identical to the Hebrew common noun meaning 'retribution' or 'recompense' (Strong's H8005, *shillēm*). It derives from the root שׁלם (*sh-l-m*), which carries core meanings of completeness, wholeness, peace, and payment. As a personal name, it likely functioned as a theophoric or aspirational name, possibly meaning 'He (God) has repaid' or 'recompensed,' though the biblical narrative does not explain the reason for the name's bestowal.

Semantic Range

While the individual Shillem plays no direct narrative role, his inclusion in the genealogies is theologically significant. It affirms God's faithfulness to the Abrahamic covenant in multiplying his descendants (Genesis 46:24) and His meticulous preservation of each tribe and family line, as seen in the organized census (Numbers 26:49). The name's connection to the root for 'wholeness' (שׁלם) may subtly point to God's work of completing or fulfilling His promises through the continuity of the tribes. In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried meaning related to circumstances of birth, character traits, or statements about God. A name like Shillem, related to 'recompense,' may have reflected the parents' experience of God's justice or provision at the time of the child's birth. Its use solely in tribal lists highlights the importance of genealogy for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliation within the covenant community. None applicable for a proper name.

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