The Hebrew word Shammôwth, represented by H8054, is defined as "ruins" and is used as the name of an Israelite. It is a rare term, appearing only 1 times in 1 unique verses in the entire biblical text, marking it as a highly specific personal identifier.
In its single biblical appearance, H8054 is used to name an individual, Shammoth. This occurs within a list of notable figures in the book of Chronicles. The text states, "Shammoth the Harorite" 1 Chronicles 11:27, connecting this person to a specific group or location known as Haror.
Several other words appear in the immediate context of Shammoth, helping to place him within a specific group of people:
- H2033 Hărôwrîy: This descriptive term, meaning "a Harorite or mountaineer," is directly applied to Shammoth to specify his origin or affiliation 1 Chronicles 11:27.
- H2503 Chelets: The name of another Israelite, Helez, listed immediately after Shammoth. The name's meaning is perhaps "strength" 1 Chronicles 11:27.
- H6397 Pᵉlôwnîy: This is a title meaning "a Pelonite," used to identify Helez in the same verse 1 Chronicles 11:27.
The significance of H8054 is rooted in its role as a historical marker rather than in deep theological meaning.
- Individual Identity: The primary function of Shammoth is to preserve the name of a specific Israelite within a historical record.
- Associative Context: Shammoth is listed alongside other individuals like Helez H2503, a figure who is identified elsewhere as a captain over a division of twenty-four thousand men 1 Chronicles 27:10. This places Shammoth in the company of significant men.
- Etymology: The name itself means "ruins." While the text does not elaborate on why an individual would carry this name, its definition stands in contrast to the context of being listed among notable figures.
In summary, H8054 is a proper name, Shammoth, appearing once in scripture. Its importance comes from its function in identifying an Israelite known as "the Harorite" within a list of other notable men. While the name's meaning is "ruins," its use in the Bible is strictly to record a person's identity.
TRV