Shemaiah(19)
Shemaiah in the Bible — Aaronic priest (NEH 10:8). Shemaiah belonged to the tribe of Levi. Referenced in 2 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “that hears or obeys the Lord”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Levi
- Scripture References
- 2 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 1 connection
Biography
Shemaiah was a male Aaronic priest from the tribe of Levi, recognized for his role in the post-exilic community. He is specifically noted as one of the signatories on the sealed covenant document detailed in Nehemiah 10:1-27, affirming his leadership and commitment to the religious reforms of that period.
Names & Titles
The name Shemaiah means 'YHWH hears,' reflecting a theologically rich meaning consistent with the covenantal faith of Israel. This proper name, as recorded in Nehemiah 10:8, does not indicate that it was given directly by God but carries a significant spiritual connotation.
Family
Scripture records that Shemaiah was the son of Jehonathan, as inferred from Nehemiah 12:18. Beyond this father-son relationship, no other family connections are documented in the biblical text.
Significance
Shemaiah's significance lies in his role as an Aaronic priest and a covenant witness during a critical time of restoration and renewal for the people of Israel. His inclusion among those who sealed the covenant in Nehemiah 10 underscores his commitment to uphold God's law and lead the community in faithfulness. This highlights his contribution to the spiritual revival following the Babylonian exile.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- שְׁמַעְיָה
- Transliteration
- shəmaəyah
- Meaning
- y-h-v-h hears
- Greek
- Σαμαια
- Reference
- NEH 10:8
- Strong's
- H8098
Family & Relationships (1)
father
Notes
named on the sealed document of NEH 10:1-27 (NEH 10:8)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shemaiah in the Bible?
Shemaiah was a male Aaronic priest from the tribe of Levi, recognized for his role in the post-exilic community. He is specifically noted as one of the signatories on the sealed covenant document detailed in Nehemiah 10:1-27, affirming his leadership and commitment to the religious reforms of that period.
What does the name Shemaiah mean?
The name Shemaiah means “that hears or obeys the Lord” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.