### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma שַׁמּוּעַ (Shammûwaʻ, `{{H8051}}`) is presented as a proper noun, a personal name. Its base definition is "renowned." The etymological note provided by Strong's links it to the root שָׁמֵם (H8074), which primarily signifies "to be desolate," "to be appalled," or "to be astonished." This proposed derivation presents a semantic challenge, as "desolate" is far removed from "renowned."
Scholarly consensus often considers an alternative or co-existing etymology, linking שַׁמּוּעַ more plausibly to the root שָׁמַע (H8085), meaning "to hear" or "to listen." In this context, "renowned" would logically derive from "one who is heard of," "famous," or "well-known." This interpretation aligns more directly with the given meaning. The form שַׁמּוּעַ could be understood as a passive participle or a noun indicating one who is made known or heard. As a personal name, it would reflect a parental hope or declaration that the child would achieve a positive reputation and be widely recognized for their character or deeds.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name שַׁמּוּעַ (Shammûwaʻ) appears four times in the Old Testament, referring to four distinct individuals:
1. **Shammua, son of Zaccur:** He was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to reconnoiter the land of Canaan, representing the tribe of Reuben.
* [[Numbers 13:4]]: "Of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur." This individual holds a significant, albeit brief, role in the foundational narrative of Israel's journey to the Promised Land. His inclusion among the tribal leaders chosen for this crucial mission indicates a position of trust and prominence within his tribe.
2. **Shammua, son of David:** Born to King David by Bathsheba in Jerusalem.
* [[2 Samuel 5:14]]: "And these are the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon."
* [[1 Chronicles 3:5]]: "And these were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bath-shua the daughter of Ammiel." It is noteworthy that in the parallel passage in 1 Chronicles, this son is named "Shimea" (`{{H8094}}`). This is widely understood as an alternate spelling or a scribal variant of the same name, further strengthening the link to the root שָׁמַע ("to hear"), as "Shimea" explicitly derives from it.
3. **Shammua, a Levite:** An ancestor of Abda, a Levite who resided in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, part of the post-exilic community.
* [[Nehemiah 11:17]]: "And Mattaniah the son of Micah, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun." This Shammua appears in a genealogical list, indicating his place within a lineage of Levitical service, specifically connected to the temple musicians (Jeduthun).
4. **Shammua, a priest:** Head of a priestly house during the time of Joiakim, after the return from exile.
* [[Nehemiah 12:18]]: "Of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan." This individual is listed as a leader among the priestly families, responsible for specific duties within the restored temple worship.
Across these occurrences, the name שַׁמּוּעַ consistently designates individuals who held positions of some importance or belonged to significant lineages, whether as a tribal representative, a royal son, or figures within the post-exilic religious leadership.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word, as per the Strong's definition, is the root שָׁמֵם (H8074), meaning "to be desolate, appalled." However, as discussed, the semantic connection to "renowned" is tenuous.
A more semantically and phonetically probable connection exists with the root שָׁמַע (H8085), "to hear, listen, obey." Many Hebrew names are derived from this root, such as Samuel (שְׁמוּאֵל, "heard of God"), Ishmael (יִשְׁמָעֵאל, "God hears"), and Shemaiah (שְׁמַעְיָה, "Yahweh has heard"). The variant spelling "Shimea" (שִׁמְעָא, `{{H8094}}`) for David's son further reinforces this connection, as it is a direct derivative of שָׁמַע. The concept of being "renowned" inherently means to be "heard of" or "known widely," aligning perfectly with this root.
The broader concept of a "name" (שֵׁם, `{{H8034}}`) in ancient Israelite culture is also highly relevant. Names were not mere labels but often encapsulated character, destiny, or a parent's hopes and prayers. To be "renowned" was to possess a good name, reflecting honor, respect, and a positive reputation within the community. This stood in contrast to those whose names might be forgotten or associated with shame.
### Theological Significance
While שַׁמּוּעַ is a proper noun, its inherent meaning "renowned" carries theological resonance within the biblical narrative. In a culture where one's name was deeply significant, to be called "renowned" could reflect several spiritual dimensions:
1. **Divine Election and Purpose:** The individuals bearing this name were often placed in positions of responsibility (spy, royal son, Levite, priest). Their names might have expressed a parental hope for their son to achieve a notable standing, perhaps even to be renowned for their faithfulness or wisdom in God's eyes.
2. **Reputation and Testimony:** A "renowned" name in biblical thought often implies a reputation built on righteousness and adherence to God's covenant. While the first Shammua, the spy, was part of a group that largely failed in faith, his name may have served as a reminder of the potential for greatness or the parental desire for a life that would bring honor.
3. **Service and Legacy:** For the Levitical and priestly Shammuas, their name could signify the honor and respect due to those who served in God's temple. Their renown would be tied to their dedication to upholding the divine ordinances and facilitating Israel's worship. This points to the theological value of a legacy of faithful service to God and His people.
4. **God's Glory Reflected:** Ultimately, true renown in the biblical worldview is often a reflection of God's glory working through His people. When individuals are renowned for their integrity, leadership, or wisdom, it can be seen as a testament to God's blessing and the transformative power of His covenant. The name "renowned" thus subtly points to the aspiration for a life that brings honor not only to oneself but, more importantly, to the Name of God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word שַׁמּוּעַ (Shammûwaʻ, `{{H8051}}`) is a personal name meaning "renowned" or "famous." While Strong's traces its etymology to שָׁמֵם (H8074, "to be desolate"), a more semantically consistent derivation points to שָׁמַע (H8085, "to hear"), suggesting "one who is heard of" or "well-known." This name is borne by four distinct individuals in the Old Testament: Shammua, the spy from the tribe of Reuben ([[Numbers 13:4]]); Shammua (also known as Shimea), a son of King David by Bathsheba ([[2 Samuel 5:14]], [[1 Chronicles 3:5]]); a Levite ancestor in the post-exilic period ([[Nehemiah 11:17]]); and a priestly head of a house after the exile ([[Nehemiah 12:18]]). The consistent application of this name to individuals in positions of leadership, within royal or religious lineages, underscores the cultural significance of a good reputation and the hope for a lasting, honorable legacy. Theologically, the name "renowned" subtly points to the biblical emphasis on a life lived in faithfulness that brings honor, not only to the individual but ultimately to the God they serve.
TRV