Shemaiah(21)
Shemaiah in the Bible — the Nehelamite (JER 29:24) who prophesied a lie (JER 29:31). Shemaiah belonged to the tribe of Levi. Referenced in 3 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “that hears or obeys the Lord”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Levi
- Scripture References
- 3 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 2 connections
Biography
Shemaiah was a male Levite known as the Nehelamite who prophesied a lie, as recorded in Jeremiah 29. The LORD appointed him priest in place of Jehoiada, confirming his Levitical heritage. His unique role as a false prophet highlights a significant spiritual challenge during his time.
Names & Titles
The name Shemaiah means 'YHWH hears,' reflecting a proper Hebrew theophoric name. This name is noted in Jeremiah 29:24 but was not given directly by God to this individual.
Family
Shemaiah is inferred to be a descendant of Aaron, the first high priest, establishing his priestly lineage. Additionally, Delaiah is inferred to be his father, connecting him to a known family line within the Levites. Scripture does not provide further family details beyond these.
Significance
Shemaiah's significance lies in his role as a Levite priest who was appointed by the LORD instead of Jehoiada, marking a shift in priestly authority. However, his prophecy was false, which demonstrates the presence of misleading voices even among the priesthood. His story serves as a cautionary example of the dangers of false prophecy within God's chosen people.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- שְׁמַעְיָהוּ
- Transliteration
- shəmaəyahu
- Meaning
- y-h-v-h hears
- Greek
- Σαμαιαν
- Reference
- JER 29:24
- Strong's
- H8098
Notes
The LORD made Shemaiah priest instead of Jehoiada so he must be a Levite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shemaiah in the Bible?
Shemaiah was a male Levite known as the Nehelamite who prophesied a lie, as recorded in Jeremiah 29. The LORD appointed him priest in place of Jehoiada, confirming his Levitical heritage. His unique role as a false prophet highlights a significant spiritual challenge during his time.
What does the name Shemaiah mean?
The name Shemaiah means “that hears or obeys the Lord” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.