### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H8089}}` (שֹׁמַע, *shômaʻ*) is derived directly from the verbal root `{{H8085}}` (שָׁמַע, *shāmaʻ*), meaning "to hear," "to listen," or "to obey." As such, `{{H8089}}` primarily signifies "that which is heard." Its semantic range extends to encompass "a report," "news," or "tidings." By extension, when a report or news about a person or event becomes widely known, it can refer to "fame," "renown," or "reputation," whether good or bad. The word captures the essence of information that has been received aurally and subsequently disseminated.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is important to note that `{{H8089}}` (שֹׁמַע) is exceedingly rare in the Masoretic Text, often appearing as a Qere (the reading to be pronounced) for the more common Ketiv (the written text) `{{H8052}}` (שְׁמוּעָה, *shᵉmûʿâ*), which also means "report" or "tidings." While `{{H8089}}` itself may not be directly attested in many printed editions, its definition points to a crucial concept in biblical thought. Therefore, to understand the semantic field of `{{H8089}}`, we examine contexts where "report" or "fame" (as defined by `{{H8089}}`) are central, often conveyed by its close cognate `{{H8052}}`.
The concept of a "report" often carries significant weight, influencing perception and action:
* **Negative Report/Infamy:** In [[1 Samuel 2:24]], Eli rebukes his sons, saying, "No, my sons, for it is no good report (`{{H8052}}`) that I hear." Here, the "report" refers to the scandalous actions of Hophni and Phinehas, leading to their infamy and ultimately divine judgment. This illustrates how a widespread "report" can define a person's reputation.
* **Divine Revelation/Prophecy:** Prophetic books frequently speak of "a report" or "tidings" from the Lord. [[Jeremiah 49:14]] and [[Obadiah 1:1]] both begin with the phrase, "We have heard a report (`{{H8052}}`) from the Lord." In these instances, the "report" is not human gossip but divinely communicated revelation, a message of impending judgment or salvation. This highlights the authoritative and transformative nature of God's "heard" word.
* **Impending Disaster/News:** The spread of news, often bad, is depicted in passages like [[Jeremiah 10:22]], "A sound of a report (`{{H8052}}`)! Behold, it comes, and a great commotion from the land of the north." Similarly, [[Ezekiel 7:26]] describes a chaotic time with "report upon report (`{{H8052}}` upon `{{H8052}}`) shall come," signifying an overwhelming influx of calamitous news.
* **Widespread Renown/Reputation:** The "fame" aspect of `{{H8089}}` implies a widespread report that establishes a reputation. While `{{H8052}}` in [[Nahum 3:19]] refers to the "report" of Nineveh's destruction, leading to its infamy, the general concept of a widespread "report" is what establishes a city's or person's renown, for good or ill.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H8089}}` is rich and interconnected:
* `{{H8085}}` (שָׁמַע, *shāmaʻ*): The root verb, "to hear, listen, obey." This is fundamental, as `{{H8089}}` is "that which is heard." The act of hearing precedes the existence of a report.
* `{{H8052}}` (שְׁמוּעָה, *shᵉmûʿâ*): "Report, rumor, tidings." This is the most direct and common cognate, often used interchangeably with the conceptual meaning of `{{H8089}}`.
* `{{H8088}}` (שֶׁמַע, *shemaʻ*): "A hearing, report." This noun is famously used in the "Shema Israel" ([[Deuteronomy 6:4]]), emphasizing the act of hearing and internalizing God's commands.
* `{{H8034}}` (שֵׁם, *shēm*): "Name, reputation, fame." This word is intrinsically linked to `{{H8089}}` because a person's or entity's "name" or "reputation" is largely built upon the "reports" (שֹׁמַע) that circulate about them. A good שֵׁם is the result of good שֹׁמַע.
* **Concepts:** The study of `{{H8089}}` touches upon broader biblical concepts such as communication (divine and human), truth and falsehood in reporting, the power of words, public perception, and accountability.
### Theological Significance
The concept embodied by `{{H8089}}` holds profound theological significance:
1. **Divine Communication and Authority:** God's word is not merely spoken but "heard" and becomes a "report" (שֹׁמַע/שְׁמוּעָה) that carries divine authority. Prophets are those who "hear" from God and then "report" His message to humanity. The very foundation of covenant and law rests upon Israel's "hearing" and "obeying" God's voice.
2. **Reputation and Moral Accountability:** The "report" about individuals or communities in the Bible often serves as a barometer of their moral standing. A "bad report" ([[1 Samuel 2:24]]) reflects actions that displease God and men, leading to consequences. Conversely, a good "report" contributes to a blameless reputation, which is valued in scripture.
3. **The Power of Proclamation:** The spread of news, whether of God's mighty acts (His "fame") or of human sin, demonstrates the transformative power of spoken and heard words. The "report" can incite fear, bring hope, or demand repentance. In the New Testament, the "good news" or gospel (`{{G2098}}`, *euangelion*) is essentially a divine "report" that transforms lives.
4. **God's Renown (שֵׁם):** Central to biblical theology is the renown of God's name (שֵׁם). His mighty acts in history (e.g., the Exodus) generate "reports" (שֹׁמַע) that spread His fame throughout the earth, prompting worship and fear among nations.
### Summary
`{{H8089}}` (שֹׁמַע, *shômaʻ*), derived from `{{H8085}}` ("to hear"), signifies "that which is heard," encompassing "a report," "news," and by extension, "fame" or "reputation." While the precise form `{{H8089}}` is rare in the Masoretic Text, its conceptual meaning is profoundly significant and frequently conveyed by the closely related `{{H8052}}` (שְׁמוּעָה). This word highlights the critical role of communication in the biblical narrative, from the dissemination of divine revelation and prophetic messages to the establishment of human reputations. It underscores the power of words to shape perception, influence destiny, and reveal the character of both God and humanity. The concept of שֹׁמַע thus serves as a powerful reminder of the pervasive and impactful nature of what is heard and reported in the biblical world.
TRV