### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Shimrath**, represented by `{{H8119}}`, is a proper name meaning **guardship**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. As a name, its significance is tied to its appearance in a specific genealogical record, identifying an Israelite individual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical mention of **Shimrath** is found within a genealogical list in the book of 1 Chronicles. The verse simply names **Shimrath** as one of several individuals who are identified as the sons of Shimhi [[1 Chronicles 8:21]]. This context establishes **Shimrath**'s place within a specific family line but provides no further narrative detail about his life or actions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The verse that names **Shimrath** also contains several other key names and terms that help define its genealogical context:
* `{{H5718}}` **ʻĂdâyâh** (Jah has adorned; Adajah, the name of eight Israelites; Adaiah): This name appears alongside Shimrath in the same verse [[1 Chronicles 8:21]]. The name Adaiah is found in other genealogies as well, such as in the lineage of the priests who served in the house of God [[1 Chronicles 9:12]].
* `{{H1256}}` **Bᵉrâʼyâh** (Jah has created; Berajah, an Israelite; Beraiah): This individual is also listed as a brother of Shimrath [[1 Chronicles 8:21]]. Like Shimrath, Beraiah is mentioned only in this specific lineage.
* `{{H8096}}` **Shimʻîy** (famous; Shimi, the name of twenty Israelites; Shimeah (from the margin), Shimei, Shimhi, Shimi): This is the name of the father of Shimrath [[1 Chronicles 8:21]]. The name Shimei appears in multiple other contexts, including in the lineage of Mordecai [[Esther 2:5]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This crucial term for lineage is used to identify Shimrath and his brothers as "the sons of Shimhi" [[1 Chronicles 8:21]]. The word is fundamental to biblical genealogies and the concept of generational continuity, as seen in the command to teach God's laws to "thy sons, and thy sons' sons" [[Deuteronomy 4:9]].
### Theological Significance
While the name **Shimrath** itself carries no direct theological weight, its inclusion in scripture points to broader themes:
* **Importance of Lineage:** The primary function of naming individuals like **Shimrath** is to meticulously document the family and tribal lines of Israel. This preservation of heritage was critical for establishing identity within the covenant community [[1 Chronicles 8:21]].
* **Individual in Community:** Even a person mentioned only once is recorded as part of the whole. This highlights the biblical worldview that each individual has a place in the larger story of God's people, often defined by their identity as "sons" `{{H1121}}` of a particular ancestor, like the "sons of Jacob" [[Malachi 3:6]].
* **Theophoric Names:** The names listed with **Shimrath**, such as **Bᵉrâʼyâh** ("Jah has created") `{{H1256}}` and **ʻĂdâyâh** ("Jah has adorned") `{{H5718}}`, often point to the character and work of God, reflecting a culture that embedded its faith into personal identity.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8119}}` **Shimrath** is an Israelite name that appears a single time in scripture. Its significance is not found in narrative action but in its function as a marker within a biblical genealogy. Its presence, alongside others in the list of the "sons of Shimhi" [[1 Chronicles 8:21]], underscores the value scripture places on recording lineage, preserving communal identity, and acknowledging each individual within the history of Israel.
TRV