### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma שְׁמָע (Shᵉmâʻ, `{{H8090}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a geographical designation. Its base definition indicates it is a place name, "Shema," located in Palestine. The entry notes its derivation "for שֶׁמַע," pointing to the more common noun שֶׁמַע (shema, `{{H8088}}`), which carries the core meaning of "hearing," "report," "rumor," or "fame." While `{{H8090}}` itself refers to a physical location, its etymological root in `{{H8088}}` suggests a possible underlying significance related to "hearing" or "report." This could imply a place where something significant was heard, or a place that became known for a particular event or characteristic. However, as a proper noun, its primary semantic function is simply to identify a specific geographical point within the biblical landscape.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word שְׁמָע (Shᵉmâʻ, `{{H8090}}`) occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 15:26]]: "And in the South, and Shema, and Moladah," (KJV)
This verse is part of the extensive list detailing the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, specifically enumerating the cities in the Negeb, or southern region. Shema is listed alongside other towns like Moladah, which were allocated to Judah as part of the divinely ordained distribution of the Promised Land. The context is purely geographical and administrative; there is no narrative or historical event directly associated with Shema in this passage or elsewhere in Scripture. It serves as a marker in the boundary description, attesting to the precise fulfillment of God's promise to Israel regarding their territorial inheritance. Its inclusion in this detailed inventory underscores the meticulous nature of the land division and the divine sovereignty over the land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to שְׁמָע (Shᵉmâʻ, `{{H8090}}`) is its etymological root, שֶׁמַע (shema, `{{H8088}}`). This noun, meaning "hearing," "report," or "fame," is derived from the verb שָׁמַע (shama, `{{H8085}}`), "to hear," "to listen," "to obey." The concept of "hearing" is profoundly significant in biblical theology, particularly in the context of covenant. The foundational command to Israel, "Hear, O Israel" (שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל, *Shema Yisrael*), found in [[Deuteronomy 6:4]], epitomizes the call to listen to and obey God's voice.
While the place name Shema (`{{H8090}}`) does not directly engage with this theological concept of hearing, its linguistic connection to `{{H8088}}` and `{{H8085}}` is noteworthy. It is possible that the place was named due to some historical event involving "hearing" (e.g., a divine encounter, a significant proclamation, or a place where a "report" originated). However, the biblical text does not provide such details. Other related terms might include those describing geographical features or tribal allotments, as Shema is listed among such places.
### Theological Significance
As a singular occurrence of a place name with no accompanying narrative, the direct theological significance of Shema (שְׁמָע, `{{H8090}}`) is limited. It primarily functions as evidence of the meticulous fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants, specifically regarding the land inheritance for the tribe of Judah. Its inclusion in the detailed list of cities in [[Joshua 15]] affirms the divine precision in the distribution of the land and the faithfulness of God in bringing His people into their promised inheritance.
While not explicitly stated, the etymological connection to "hearing" (שֶׁמַע, `{{H8088}}`) could subtly reinforce the overarching biblical theme of listening to God. Even the very geography of the Promised Land, through its names, might echo the divine call to hear and obey. The land itself, in its naming conventions, could be seen as a silent witness to the importance of God's word. Ultimately, Shema stands as a geographical marker within the sacred history of Israel, part of the tangible manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness.
### Summary
שְׁמָע (Shᵉmâʻ, `{{H8090}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun designating a specific place, Shema, located in the Negeb region of Judah. It appears only once in the biblical text, in [[Joshua 15:26]], where it is listed among the cities allocated to the tribe of Judah as part of their inheritance in the Promised Land. Etymologically, it is related to שֶׁמַע (shema, `{{H8088}}`), meaning "hearing" or "report," though the biblical text provides no narrative to explain this connection for the place name. Its primary significance lies in its role as a geographical detail, underscoring the precise and faithful fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land distribution to the tribes of Israel.
TRV