Topics Definition of Hebrew Names

This name is derived from the Hebrew verb שמע shama (#8085) meaning "to hear."

In Deuteronomy 6:4, written above in the Modern Hebrew and Middle Semitic (paleo-Hebrew) scripts, the first word is sh’ma, the imperative form of the verb meaning "hear!" This word is kind of a motto to Israel. It has been found written on ancient pottery (left) and coins (right).

In Genesis 29:33 Leah, the wife of Jacob, says, "Because Yahweh has heard (shama) that I was hated and he gave me this one also" and she gives him the name שמעון (Shimon #8095), a Hebrew word meaning hearer."

The Living Words - Introduction (Article) An introduction to Mr. Benner's book The Living Words expounding on the Ancient Hebrew culture and philosophy.

Definition of Hebrew Words (Articles) Defining Hebrew words within their original cultural context.