### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term שִׁמְעָה (Shimʻâh), Strong's H8093, is defined as the feminine form of שֵׁמַע (shema'), meaning "annunciation." The root from which both are derived is שָׁמַע (shama'), `{{H8085}}`, which means "to hear, to listen, to obey." Thus, the intrinsic semantic range of שִׁמְעָה points to concepts related to "hearing," "reporting," or "proclaiming." It suggests something that has been heard or made known, a piece of news or an announcement.
However, it is crucial to note that while its etymology points to "annunciation," the primary usage of H8093 in the biblical text is as a proper noun, specifically a personal name. The definition itself identifies it as "Shimah, an Israelite; Shimeah." Interestingly, despite its grammatical derivation as a feminine form, the individuals bearing this name in the Bible are predominantly male. This highlights a common phenomenon in Hebrew nomenclature where the grammatical gender of a name's root does not always dictate the gender of the person bearing it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name שִׁמְעָה (Shimʻâh), H8093, appears in several contexts within the Old Testament, primarily identifying various individuals:
1. **Shimeah, Son of Jesse (David's Brother):** This is perhaps the most prominent bearer of the name. He is listed among David's brothers in [[1 Chronicles 2:13]] and [[1 Chronicles 3:5]]. He is also known by the names Shammah (`{{H8049}}`) and Shimea (`{{H8092}}`), indicating a degree of fluidity or variant spellings for the same individual. In these genealogies, he is simply identified as one of Jesse's sons, a member of the family from which Israel's greatest king would emerge. His presence in these lists underscores the importance of lineage in biblical narratives.
2. **Shimeah, Son of David:** Another individual bearing this name is a son of David, born in Jerusalem, as recorded in [[1 Chronicles 3:5]]. This Shimeah is distinct from David's brother. His inclusion in the list of David's sons emphasizes the continuation of the royal line and the significance of progeny in the Davidic covenant.
3. **Shimeah, a Benjamite:** In the tribal genealogies of Benjamin, a Shimeah is mentioned as a son of Mikloth in [[1 Chronicles 8:13]]. This occurrence places the name within the context of tribal organization and family lines during the period of the monarchy or earlier.
4. **Shimeah, Brother of Jonadab:** This individual is mentioned in [[2 Samuel 21:21]] and [[1 Chronicles 20:7]] as the brother of Jonadab, a descendant of Rapha (a giant). This Shimeah is associated with the Philistine giants, specifically with a giant who was killed by Jonathan, David's nephew. This context places the name in a narrative of conflict and divine deliverance, highlighting the strength of David's warriors against formidable foes.
Across these occurrences, the name serves to identify distinct individuals within the broader tapestry of Israelite history and genealogy. While the etymological meaning of "annunciation" or "report" might subtly hint at their significance or fate (e.g., a "report" of their deeds or lineage), the primary function is nominative.
### Related Words & Concepts
The term שִׁמְעָה (Shimʻâh) is deeply rooted in the Hebrew concept of "hearing" and its derivatives. Key related terms include:
* **שָׁמַע (shama') `{{H8085}}`**: The foundational verb meaning "to hear, to listen, to obey." This verb is central to Israelite theology, particularly in commands to "hear the voice of the Lord" (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 6:4]], the *Shema*).
* **שֵׁמַע (shema') `{{H8088}}`**: The noun form, meaning "a hearing, a report, a rumor." This is the direct masculine counterpart from which שִׁמְעָה (Shimʻâh) is derived. It often refers to something that has been heard and transmitted, whether a divine word or a human report.
* **שִׁמְעוֹן (Shim'on) / Simeon `{{H8095}}`**: Another proper name derived from the same root, meaning "hearing" or "one who hears." This name, given to Jacob's second son, was explained by Leah, saying, "Because the Lord has heard that I am unloved, He has therefore given me this son also" [[Genesis 29:33]].
* **שְׁמוּאֵל (Shmu'el) / Samuel `{{H8050}}`**: This highly significant name, often interpreted as "heard of God" or "name of God," also shares the same root, emphasizing the theme of divine hearing and response.
The conceptual link between these words underscores the profound importance of "hearing" in the biblical worldview—hearing God's commands, hearing the cries of the people, and the divine act of hearing and responding.
### Theological Significance
While שִׁמְעָה (Shimʻâh) itself is a proper name and does not directly convey a theological proposition, its etymological connection to "hearing" and "annunciation" imbues it with indirect theological resonance. The root שָׁמַע (shama') is foundational to the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
1. **Divine Communication and Revelation:** The idea of an "annunciation" or "report" connects to the broader theme of God making Himself known to humanity. God's word is "heard" and then "reported" or "proclaimed" by prophets and messengers. The very act of revelation is an "annunciation" of divine truth.
2. **Human Response and Obedience:** For the Israelites, "hearing" was not merely an auditory act but a call to attentive listening and, crucially, to obedience. The command "Hear, O Israel" (Shema Yisrael) in [[Deuteronomy 6:4]] encapsulates the core demand of the covenant: to listen to God's voice and live in accordance with His commands. While the name Shimeah doesn't explicitly command this, its root serves as a constant reminder of this fundamental spiritual posture.
3. **God's Attentiveness:** The concept of "hearing" also applies to God's attribute of listening to His people's prayers, cries, and laments. Names like Simeon and Samuel explicitly attest to God's "hearing" His people's needs and responding. While Shimeah's name is more about a "report" or "announcement," it exists within this theological framework where communication between God and humanity is paramount.
Thus, the name, though a simple identifier, subtly participates in the rich biblical discourse on divine-human interaction, emphasizing the acts of speaking, hearing, and responding.
### Summary
שִׁמְעָה (Shimʻâh), H8093, is a Hebrew proper noun, primarily used as a masculine personal name in the Old Testament, despite its grammatical derivation as the feminine form of שֵׁמַע (shema'), meaning "annunciation" or "report." Its occurrences identify several individuals, including a brother and a son of King David, a Benjamite, and a relative of a Philistine giant. Etymologically, the name is deeply connected to the verb שָׁמַע (shama'), meaning "to hear" or "to obey," a concept central to Israelite faith and the covenant relationship with God. While the name itself serves as an identifier, its underlying semantic root points to the profound biblical themes of divine communication, revelation, and the vital human response of listening and obedience to God's voice.
TRV