### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Salmay**, represented by `{{H8014}}`, is a proper name meaning **clothed**. It appears **1 times** across **1 unique verses** in the Bible. The name identifies a specific Israelite, Shalmai, whose descendants are recorded in the post-exilic census.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H8014}}` is in a genealogical list within the book of Nehemiah. The text records "The children of Shalmai" as one of the families that returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile [[Nehemiah 7:48]]. In this context, Shalmai is identified as the patriarch or ancestor of a specific family group, whose lineage was significant enough to be included in the official record of the restored community.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words appear alongside `{{H8014}}`, establishing its context within a genealogical record:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word, translated as "children," is repeated in the passage to establish the lineage of each family returning from exile, including those of Shalmai [[Nehemiah 7:48]]. It is fundamental to tracking ancestry and community identity.
* `{{H3838}}` **Lᵉbânâʼ** (Lebana or Lebanah, one of the Nethinim): The "children of Lebana" are listed immediately before the children of Shalmai, indicating they were part of the same group of returning families [[Nehemiah 7:48]].
* `{{H2286}}` **Chăgâbâʼ** (Chagaba or Chagabah, one of the Nethinim): The "children of Hagaba" are also listed in the same verse, placing the family of Shalmai within a specific sequence in the census of the restored Israelite population [[Nehemiah 7:48]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H8014}}` is derived entirely from its inclusion in the Nehemiah census.
* **Covenant Preservation:** The meticulous listing of families, including the descendants of Shalmai, demonstrates God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people through the trial of exile.
* **Community Identity:** Naming the "children of Shalmai" was crucial for re-establishing the social and religious structure of Jerusalem. It affirmed that this family had a legitimate place within the restored nation of Israel.
* **Historical Record:** The name serves as a historical marker, anchoring the biblical narrative in a specific, documented lineage that was part of a major event in Israel's history.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8014}}` is the proper name **Shalmai**, identifying an ancestor whose family was part of the return from exile. While it appears only once, its presence in the lists of Nehemiah is significant. It underscores the importance of lineage, identity, and the historical documentation of God's faithfulness in restoring His people to their land as a cohesive community.
TRV