the same as מִשְׁמָע; Mishma, the name of a son of Ishmael, and of an Israelite; Mishma.
Transliteration:Mishmâʻ
Pronunciation:mish-maw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H4927, מִשְׁמָע (Mishmâʻ), is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its meaning is directly derived from the root שָׁמַע (shama, `{{H8085}}`), which broadly signifies "to hear," "to listen," "to understand," and crucially, "to obey." The noun form מִשְׁמַע (mishma, `{{H4926}}`) means "a hearing," "report," or "obedience." Therefore, the name Mishma likely carries the etymological sense of "a hearing," "that which is heard," or "obedient." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying the individuals who bore this name, yet the inherent meaning of the root provides a rich backdrop for its significance within the Hebrew linguistic and theological landscape.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Mishma (מִשְׁמָע, `{{H4927}}`) appears in the biblical text in two distinct genealogical contexts, referring to two different individuals:
1. **Mishma, son of Ishmael:** This Mishma is listed as one of the twelve sons of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. He is mentioned in [[Genesis 25:14]] as part of the lineage of Ishmael, whose descendants formed twelve princes according to their nations. This same individual is also listed in the genealogies of [[1 Chronicles 1:30]]. In both instances, his mention is purely genealogical, serving to delineate the family lines and fulfill the divine promise regarding Ishmael's numerous descendants (cf. [[Genesis 17:20]]). No specific narrative or actions are attributed to this Mishma beyond his position within the patriarchal lineage.
2. **Mishma, a Simeonite:** This individual is found in the tribal genealogies of [[1 Chronicles 4:25]], where he is identified as a son of Mibsam and a descendant of Simeon, one of the sons of Jacob. Like the Ishmaelite Mishma, his mention here is solely within the context of a tribal roster, providing no further biographical details. His inclusion underscores the meticulous record-keeping of the Israelite tribes and their lineage, which was crucial for land inheritance and identity.
In both occurrences, Mishma is a name within a list, highlighting the importance of lineage and the continuity of generations in the biblical worldview, even for those whose lives are not elaborated upon.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root שָׁמַע (shama, `{{H8085}}`), which is foundational to understanding the etymology of Mishma. This verb encompasses a wide range of meanings from simple auditory perception ("to hear") to active comprehension and compliance ("to obey"). The noun form מִשְׁמַע (mishma, `{{H4926}}`), directly linked by the Strong's definition, denotes "a hearing," "report," or "obedience."
Other Hebrew names also derive from this root, underscoring its significance:
* **Ishmael** (יִשְׁמָעֵאל, `{{H3458}}`): "God hears," reflecting God's attentiveness to human cries, particularly Hagar's in the wilderness.
* **Shemaiah** (שְׁמַעְיָה, `{{H8098}}`): "Yahweh has heard," a common name among various biblical figures, often prophets or Levites.
* **Shema** (שֶׁמַע, `{{H8088}}`): A noun meaning "hearing" or "report," famously used in the "Shema Israel" ("Hear, O Israel") declaration, the foundational creed of Judaism (cf. [[Deuteronomy 6:4]]).
The concept of "hearing and obeying" is a central theological theme throughout the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing humanity's proper response to God's voice and commands.
### Theological Significance
While the individuals named Mishma are not central figures in biblical narrative, their name, rooted in "hearing" and "obedience," subtly echoes profound theological principles. The very act of naming in ancient Israel was often imbued with meaning, reflecting hopes, circumstances, or divine attributes. Even in a simple genealogical entry, the name Mishma serves as a reminder of the foundational biblical concept of "shema" – the imperative to attentively hear and faithfully obey God's word.
The inclusion of these names in the biblical record, even without accompanying narratives, underscores the meticulous attention to lineage and identity within God's unfolding plan. For the Ishmaelite Mishma, his presence in the genealogy affirms the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding Ishmael's descendants. For the Simeonite Mishma, his place in the tribal records highlights the importance of tribal identity and the divine ordering of Israel. Thus, the name Mishma, though belonging to minor figures, points to the broader biblical emphasis on divine attentiveness (God hearing) and human responsiveness (human hearing and obeying).
### Summary
H4927, מִשְׁמָע (Mishmâʻ), is a proper noun referring to two distinct individuals in the biblical genealogies: a son of Ishmael ([[Genesis 25:14]], [[1 Chronicles 1:30]]) and a descendant of Simeon ([[1 Chronicles 4:25]]). The name is derived from the Hebrew root שָׁמַע (shama, `{{H8085}}`), meaning "to hear" or "to obey," and the related noun מִשְׁמַע (mishma, `{{H4926}}`), meaning "a hearing" or "obedience." While no specific narratives are associated with these individuals, their name itself carries the theological resonance of hearing and responding to divine revelation, a core theme throughout Scripture. Their inclusion in the meticulous biblical genealogies further emphasizes the importance of lineage and the fulfillment of God's covenant purposes.
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