Shammah שַׁמָּה

Male Early Patriarch H8048G 2 books

Son of Reuel, grandson of Esau

Who is Shammah in the Bible?

Shammah was a son of Reuel and a grandson of Esau, mentioned in Genesis 36:13, 36:17, and 1 Chronicles 1:37. As a descendant of Esau, Jacob's twin brother, Shammah became a chief of Edom, the nation that settled southeast of Judah. While the biblical text provides few specific details about his personal life or accomplishments, his listing among the chiefs of Edom indicates he held a position of authority within the Edomite tribe. His inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the significance of family lineage and the development of tribal leadership structures in the ancient Near East during the early formation of nations descended from Isaac's sons.

Biography

Shammah, mentioned in Gen.36.13,17 and 1Ch.1.37, was a descendant of Esau, the twin brother of Israel (or 'Jacob'). He was the son of Reuel, who was one of Esau's sons. Shammah is listed among the chiefs of Edom, indicating that he held a position of authority and leadership within the Edomite tribe. The Edomites were descendants of Esau who settled in the region southeast of Judah. The text does not provide any specific details about Shammah's life or his role as a chief. However, his inclusion in the genealogical record of Esau's descendants highlights the importance of family lineage and the development of tribal structures in the ancient Near East. The mention of Shammah as a chief suggests that he played a significant role in the political and social organization of the Edomites.

Family

In Scripture

2 biblical books ; 1 with study content
Genesis 2 verses
  • Genesis 36:13

    "These are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. They are the grandsons of Esau’s wife Basemath."

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  • Genesis 36:17

    "These are the sons of Esau’s son Reuel: Chiefs Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. They are the chiefs descended from Reuel in the land of Edom, and they are the grandsons of Esau’s wife Basemath."

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1 Chronicles 1 verse
  • 1 Chronicles 1:37

    "The sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah."

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script
Named Hebrew שַׁמָּה