The Hebrew word Shîymôwn, represented by H7889, identifies a specific Israelite. The name is defined as Shimon and is apparently related to the word for desert. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, placing it among the names mentioned for genealogical purposes.
The sole appearance of H7889 is in a genealogical record within the book of Chronicles. Shimon is listed as a patriarch, with the text stating, "And the sons of Shimon were, Amnon, and Rinnah, Benhanan, and Tilon" 1 Chronicles 4:20. This entry serves to establish his direct lineage and identify his four sons within the historical accounting of Israelite families.
The context of Shimon's entry connects him to several other names and terms that define his familial relationships:
- H1121 bên (a son): This word is crucial to the verse, establishing the relationship between Shimon and his offspring. The term is widely used to denote a son or grandson, highlighting its importance in establishing family and tribal lines 1 Chronicles 4:20.
- H3469 Yishʻîy (saving; Jishi): Mentioned in the same verse, Ishi is presented as the head of another family line in parallel with Shimon. This juxtaposition is common in genealogies, weaving together different family histories 1 Chronicles 4:20.
- H550 ʼAmnôwn (faithful; Amnon): Listed as the first son of Shimon. The name itself means faithful, and it appears in the lineage as "the sons of Shimon were, Amnon" 1 Chronicles 4:20.
While Shimon is not a major biblical figure, his inclusion carries significance within the scriptural record:
- Genealogical Preservation: Shimon's mention is part of the vital function of the Chronicles, which is to preserve the lineage and identity of the Israelite people. His name is recorded to maintain the integrity of the tribal record.
- Paternal Headship: The text identifies Shimon explicitly as a father, the source of a family line. This reinforces the importance of paternal identity in biblical genealogies, where history is often traced through the "sons of" a patriarch 1 Chronicles 4:20.
- Role in Community Record: By being named alongside Ishi, Shimon's family is placed within the broader community structure. This demonstrates how individual family units form the building blocks of the larger tribal and national narrative presented in scripture.
In summary, H7889 Shîymôwn is the name of an Israelite man known only through a single genealogical reference. His mention in 1 Chronicles 4:20 serves the specific purpose of documenting his family line, naming him as the father of four sons. Though his story is not elaborated upon, his presence in the text is a testament to the Bible's detailed preservation of lineage, highlighting the value placed on every individual family within the history of Israel.
TRV