### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma שַׁמָּא (Shammâʼ, `{{H8037}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition indicates a derivation from the root שָׁמֵם (shamem, `{{H8074}}`), which carries the core meaning of "to be desolate," "to be laid waste," "to be appalled," or "to be astonished." Therefore, the name שַׁמָּא (Shammâʼ) etymologically suggests a connection to "desolation" or a state of being "desolated" or "astonished." While the root describes a condition of ruin or profound shock, the proper noun functions as an identifier for an individual. As is common with biblical names, the etymological meaning may reflect a circumstance of birth, a parental hope or lament, or a characteristic perceived at the time the name was given, rather than a direct descriptor of the person's character or fate.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name שַׁמָּא (Shammâʼ, `{{H8037}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible.
* In [[1 Chronicles 2:28]], Shamma is listed as a son of Ziph and a descendant in the lineage of Judah. The verse reads: "And the sons of Ziph: Shamma, and Ziza." This single occurrence places Shamma within a genealogical record, specifically tracing the descendants of Judah through Caleb's family line. The context provides no narrative details about Shamma's life, actions, or any specific role he played. He is simply recorded as part of the extensive and vital tribal genealogies that establish the lineage of Israel, particularly the tribe from which the Messiah would eventually come. It is crucial to distinguish this Shamma (`{{H8037}}`) from other individuals with similar-sounding names, such as Shammah (`{{H8050}}`) or Shammai (`{{H8051}}`), who are distinct persons listed elsewhere in the biblical record with different Strong's numbers.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary and most significant related word to שַׁמָּא (Shammâʼ, `{{H8037}}`) is its root verb, שָׁמֵם (shamem, `{{H8074}}`). This root is frequently used throughout the Old Testament to describe:
* **Desolation and Ruin:** Often referring to cities, lands, or temples laid waste due to war, judgment, or abandonment (e.g., [[Jeremiah 4:27]], [[Ezekiel 6:6]]).
* **Astonishment and Appallment:** Describing the emotional state of individuals or nations in response to overwhelming calamity, divine judgment, or extraordinary events (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 28:37]], [[Isaiah 52:14]]).
The concept of desolation is a recurring theme in prophetic literature, signifying the consequences of covenant disobedience and God's righteous judgment, but also implicitly pointing to future restoration. Other similarly sounding names, such as שַׁמָּה (Shammah, `{{H8050}}`) and שַׁמַּי (Shammai, `{{H8051}}`), are distinct proper nouns. While they share phonetic similarities, their etymological connections may differ or are less explicitly stated as being derived from שָׁמֵם (shamem, `{{H8074}}`) in the same way as שַׁמָּא (Shammâʼ, `{{H8037}}`). It is vital to avoid conflating these distinct entries.
### Theological Significance
The individual Shamma (`{{H8037}}`) himself, due to his singular appearance in a genealogical list without any accompanying narrative, holds no direct theological significance in the biblical text. His importance lies almost entirely in the etymology of his name. The root שָׁמֵם (shamem, `{{H8074}}`), meaning "to be desolate," is profoundly significant in biblical theology. It speaks to:
* **Divine Judgment:** Desolation is often depicted as a consequence of sin and a manifestation of God's righteous judgment against rebellion and unfaithfulness (e.g., the desolation of Jerusalem).
* **Human Condition:** It can symbolize the spiritual barrenness or ruin that results from separation from God.
* **God's Sovereignty and Restoration:** Paradoxically, the theme of desolation often sets the stage for God's redemptive work. From a state of utter ruin, God promises to bring restoration, renewal, and life (e.g., [[Isaiah 61:4]], [[Ezekiel 36:33-36]]).
While it is speculative to apply these profound theological themes directly to the person of Shamma without biblical warrant, the name serves as a subtle reminder of the pervasive biblical concept of desolation – both as a consequence of human fallenness and as a precursor to divine grace and restoration. The inclusion of such a name within the sacred genealogies underscores the reality that even amidst hardship or perceived ruin, God's purposes continue to unfold through human generations.
### Summary
שַׁמָּא (Shammâʼ, `{{H8037}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name occurring only once in the Bible in [[1 Chronicles 2:28]], where he is listed as a descendant of Judah. Etymologically, the name is derived from שָׁמֵם (shamem, `{{H8074}}`), meaning "to be desolate" or "to be appalled." While the individual Shamma plays no narrative role, the underlying root of his name carries significant theological weight, frequently appearing in contexts of divine judgment and the resultant desolation, as well as the hope of God's ultimate restoration from such states. The name serves as a linguistic artifact connecting a genealogical entry to broader biblical themes of ruin and divine sovereignty.
TRV