Who is Shimeah in the Bible:Understanding the Name “Shimeah”.docx

The Bible introduces many individuals whose names may not immediately stand out, yet their roles are essential in the grand narrative of Scripture. One such figure is Shimeah, a man whose name appears in genealogical records and historical narratives in the Old Testament. Though not prominent in action, Shimeah’s significance is rooted in his family lineage, especially in relation to King David and the broader messianic story.

1. Who is Shimeah in the Bible?
The Bible introduces
many individuals whose names may not immediately stand out,
yet
their roles are essential in the grand narrative of Scripture. One such figure is
Shimeah,
a man whose name appears in genealogical records and historical narratives
in
the
 Old
Testament
.
Though not prominent in action, Shimeah’s significance is
rooted
in his family lineage, especially in relation to King
 David and
the broader
messianic
story.
Understanding the Name “Shimeah”
Meaning of the Name
The
name Shimeah (also spelled
 Shimea or Shimea in
some translations) is of Hebrew
origin
and means “renowned,” “famous,” or “one who is heard.” The root word is
עַמ
שָׁ
(shama ),
which means “to hear”—a word often used in Scripture to convey ʿ
obedience,
attention, and
 God’s
responsiveness.
Thus,
Shimeah’s name may suggest someone known or heard of, perhaps a man of
standing
or influence, even if not deeply detailed in biblical narrative.
Biblical References to Shimeah
Shimeah
in the bible
 appears
in three key places in Scripture, primarily in
genealogical
or family references. The most important role he plays is as the brother
of
King David and the father of Jonathan, a counselor who played a role during the
reign
of David.

2. 1. 1 Samuel 16:9 – The Son of Jesse
In 1
Samuel
 16:9,
Shimeah is introduced as one of Jesse’s sons when the
prophet Samuel comes
to anoint the future king of Israel.
“Then
Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, ‘Neither has the Lord chosen this
one.’”
(ESV)
Although
in this verse the name given is Shammah, scholars generally agree that
Shammah
and Shimeah refer to the same person. Variations in spelling were common
as
Hebrew names were translated and transcribed across different texts.
2. 1 Chronicles 2:13
The
genealogical listing in
 1
Chronicles
 2:13
provides a clearer identification:
“And
Jesse begat his firstborn
 Eliab,
and Abinadab the second, and Shimma the
third…”
(KJV)
Again,
Shimma (or
 Shimeah)
is shown as David’s older brother. This confirms his
place
in the family of Jesse of Bethlehem.
3. 2 Samuel 13:3 – Father of Jonathan
Perhaps
the most notable appearance of Shimeah’s legacy is through his son Jonathan,
mentioned
in
 2
Samuel
 13:3:
“But
Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s
brother.
And Jonadab was a very crafty man.” (ESV)
Here,
Shimeah is not the main focus, but his role as David’s brother and father to
Jonadab
(or Jonathan) situates him as a key link in the royal family drama
surrounding
Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom.
Shimeah’s Family and Lineage
The House of Jesse
Shimeah
was one of eight sons of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:10–11; 1 Chronicles 2:13–15).
While
David was the youngest, his older brothers were considered strong and worthy
candidates
when Samuel sought the next king. However, God looked at the heart, not
outward
appearance, and chose David.
Shimeah,
though passed over for kingship, was still part of this blessed family and
would
witness the rise of his youngest brother as Israel’s most beloved king.
His Son: Jonadab the “Crafty” Counselor

3. Shimeah’s
son Jonadab played a dark role in one of the most disturbing stories in
David’s
family—the rape of Tamar by her half-brother Amnon.
In
2 Samuel 13, Jonadab devises a cunning plan to help Amnon gain access to Tamar,
which
leads to tragic consequences. Scripture describes him as “very crafty”,
implying
intelligence but not moral integrity.
This
episode is significant because it underscores the complex family dynamics and
spiritual
pitfalls within David’s household. Shimeah, as the father of Jonadab and
brother
to David, would have been directly affected by these events.
The Importance of Shimeah in Scripture
A Witness to David’s Rise
Although
we have no direct records of Shimeah’s words or deeds, it is reasonable to
believe
that as an older brother, he would have witnessed the anointing of David,
David’s
rise to fame through the defeat of Goliath, and his ascension to the throne.
Shimeah
may have played a background role in supporting or observing David’s
journey.
His absence from records of opposition (unlike Eliab who rebukes David in
 1
Samuel
17
:28)
suggests a possibly more neutral or supportive stance.
Part of the Messianic Lineage
Being
a son of Jesse, Shimeah belongs to the royal lineage from which Jesus Christ
eventually
descended. Though the messianic line goes through David, the family of
Jesse
as a whole is honored in Scripture:
“A
shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear
fruit.”
–
 Isaiah
11
:1
(NIV)
Shimeah’s
family was part of the foundation upon which God’s redemptive plan
through
Jesus was built.
Spiritual Lessons from Shimeah’s Life and Family
1. Importance of Family Legacy
Shimeah
may not be a man of mighty acts recorded in Scripture, but his place in
David’s
family tree demonstrates the value of legacy and godly heritage.
Our
lives matter not just in what we do personally but in how we influence the next
generation,
for better or worse. Shimeah’s legacy included both the honor of royal
kinship
and the pain of poor counsel through his son.
2. God’s Choice Defies Human Expectation

4. Shimeah,
like his brothers, may have seemed outwardly suitable to be king, but God
chose
David instead. This reminds us that:
“The
Lord does not see as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the
Lord
looks on the heart.” –
 1
Samuel 16:7
 (ESV)
Even
if we are not chosen for prominent roles, our value in God’s eyes is not
diminished.
3. Influence Through the Next Generation
Shimeah’s
son Jonadab had the ear of Amnon, the crown prince. His influence led to
disastrous
results. This reminds us that parental and familial influence is powerful and
must
be guided by godly wisdom.
Whether
or not Shimeah trained his son in righteousness is unknown, but Scripture
clearly
shows that ungodly counsel can destroy families and nations.
4. Quiet Faithfulness Still Matters
Not
every biblical figure is famous like
 Moses or
Paul. Shimeah is a reminder that
God
remembers the faithful, even those who serve in the background. His name is
recorded
in Scripture, and his place in David’s family is eternally preserved.
Shimeah in the Broader Biblical Narrative
The Royal Family’s Turmoil
The
story of Shimeah’s family intersects with one of the most tragic arcs in the Bible:
David’s
family drama involving sin, betrayal, and judgment. From the rape of Tamar
to
the murder of Amnon by Absalom, this period is marked by spiritual breakdown.
Shimeah’s
son, Jonadab, while “crafty,” was not wise in a godly sense. His plan led to
disaster.
This shows the difference between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom:
“The
wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable…” – James 3:17 (KJV)
God’s Sovereignty Through Flawed People
Even
in the midst of brokenness, God continued His sovereign plan. Shimeah’s family
was
not perfect, but God still worked through Jesse’s house to bring about the birth of
Jesus
Christ.
This
gives us hope: our families may be broken, but God can redeem and restore.
Summary of Shimeah’s Biblical Role

5. Aspect Detail
Name
Meaning
“Renowned”
or “Heard”
Father Jesse
of Bethlehem
Siblings Eliab,
Abinadab, David, and others
Son Jonadab
(a.k.a. Jonathan)
Role Brother
of David, father of a royal counselor
Key
Verses
1
Samuel 16:9; 1 Chronicles 2:13; 2 Samuel 13:3
Conclusion
Though
Shimeah may not have led armies or written
 psalms,
he plays a quiet but vital
role
in God’s redemptive history. As the brother of King David and a member of
Jesse’s
household, he reminds us that God values every person in His divine plan—
even
those who work behind the scenes.
His
story challenges us to:
Be
faithful in our families,
Guard
our influence and counsel, and
Trust
God with
 our
legacy, even when we aren’t in the spotlight.
“For
the Lord is righteous; He loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold His
face.”
–
 Psalm
11
:7
(ESV)