Shimei שִׁמְעִי
Influential figure during Solomon's reign; son of Ela.
Who is Shimei in the Bible?
Shimei was an influential administrator during King Solomon's reign and the son of Ela. He is first mentioned in 1 Kings 1:8 as a loyal supporter who refused to back Adonijah's failed attempt to seize the throne, standing instead with Zadok the priest and Benaiah. His loyalty was rewarded when Solomon appointed him as one of twelve officers responsible for provisioning the royal household, a position listed in 1 Kings 4:18. Shimei's prominence in Solomon's administration demonstrates his trusted status and illustrates the network of officials upon whom the early Israelite monarchy depended for effective governance.
Biography
Shimei, the son of Ela, was an important figure during the reign of King Solomon. In 1Ki.1.8, he is mentioned alongside Zadok the priest, Benaiah, and others as not siding with Adonijah in his attempt to become king, suggesting his loyalty to Solomon. Later, in 1Ki.4.18, Shimei is listed as one of the twelve officers appointed by Solomon to provide food for the king and his household, indicating his trusted position within the royal administration.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Kings 2 verses
- 1 Kings 1:8
"But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s mighty men would not join Adonijah."
- 1 Kings 4:18
"Shimei son of Ela in Benjamin;"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שִׁמְעִי | Shimi , the name of twenty Israelites |