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Shammah(2)

Shammah in the Bible — third-born (1CH 2:13) son of Jesse (1SA 16:9) brother of David. Shammah belonged to the tribe of Judah. Referenced in 8 scripture passages.

Name meaning: “loss; desolation; astonishment”

Profile

Gender
male
Tribe
Judah
Scripture References
8 references
Known Names
4 names
Relationships
4 connections

Biography

Shammah was a male member of the tribe of Judah, known as the third-born son of Jesse and brother of David. His identity is primarily defined by his familial relationship within the house of Jesse, placing him in the lineage significant to Israel's history. There are no additional notable details recorded about his personal life or deeds.

Names & Titles

The name Shammah means 'waste,' reflecting a proper name without divine attribution. Variants of his name, such as Shimeah and Shimea, carry meanings like 'he has heard' or 'obedient,' indicating possible linguistic or textual variations but all remain proper names not given directly by God.

Family

Scripture explicitly records Shammah as the son of Jesse and the brother of David, situating him within a prominent family in Israel's history. Other relationships are inferred, such as possible paternal links to Jonadab and Jonathan in related name variants, but these are not directly connected to Shammah himself.

Significance

Shammah's significance lies chiefly in his position within the family of Jesse, the father of David, Israel's greatest king. As David's brother, he is part of the genealogical and historical context that frames the Davidic line, which is foundational to the Messianic promise fulfilled in Christ. Though not extensively detailed, his mention contributes to the biblical record of God's chosen lineage.

Names & Labels (4)

Shammahproper name
Hebrew
שַׁמָּה
Transliteration
shamah
Meaning
waste
Greek
Σαμα
Reference
1SA 16:9
Strong's
H8048
Shimeahproper name
Hebrew
שִׁמְעָה
Transliteration
shiməah
Meaning
he has heard or he is obedient
Greek
Σαμαα
Reference
2SA 13:3
Strong's
H8093
Shimeiproper name
Hebrew
שִׁמְעִי
Transliteration
shiməiy
Meaning
y-h-v-h has heard' or 'famous'
Greek
Σεμεϊ
Reference
2SA 21:21
Strong's
H8096
Shimeaproper name
Hebrew
שִׁמְעָא
Transliteration
shiməa
Meaning
he has heard or obedient one
Greek
Σαμαα
Reference
1CH 2:13
Strong's
H8092

Family & Relationships (4)

son

Jesse(1SA 16:9)

father

Jonadab(2SA 13:3)
Jonathan(2SA 21:21)

brother

David(2SA 13:3)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Shammah in the Bible?

Shammah was a male member of the tribe of Judah, known as the third-born son of Jesse and brother of David. His identity is primarily defined by his familial relationship within the house of Jesse, placing him in the lineage significant to Israel's history. There are no additional notable details recorded about his personal life or deeds.

What does the name Shammah mean?

The name Shammah means “loss; desolation; astonishment” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.

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