Bible Dictionary
SHIMEATHITES
The Shimeathites were a subdivision or family associated with Caleb in 1 Chronicles 2:55. Their exact identity and function are uncertain because the passage is obscure.
Definition
The Shimeathites were a subdivision or family associated with Caleb. Their exact identity and function are uncertain because the passage in which they occur is obscure.
Biblical Usage
The Shimeathites are named with the Sucathites and Tirathites in 1 Chronicles 2:55. Proposed interpretations identify these groups as religious functionaries, gatekeepers, sacred musicians, or descendants of otherwise unknown places or persons, but the evidence does not permit certainty.
Historical Background
Ancient interpretations differ substantially. Jerome understood the three groups as classes of religious workers, while other interpreters connected the names with sacred music, tradition, or unknown localities.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>shim'-e-ath-its shim`athim; Codex Vaticanus and Codex Alexandrinus Samathieim; Lucian, Samathein): A subdivision of the tribe of Caleb (1Ch 2:55). In the three families mentioned in this passage Jerome saw three distinct classes of religious functionaries: Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) canentes atque resonantes et in tabernaculis commorantes. The Targum has a similar explanation, except that the "Sucathites" are those "covered" with a spirit of prophecy. Bertheau (Handbuch zum Altes Testament) accepts Jerome's explanation, except that he regards the first class as gate-keepers (Aramaic tera` = Hebrew sha`ar). Wellhausen (DGJ, 30 f) finds underlying the three names tir`ah, a technical term for sacred music-making, shim`ah, the Halacha or sacred tradition. Buhl (HWB13) derives Shimeathites and Sucathites from unknown places. Keil interprets as descendants from the unknown Shemei (compare Curtis, ICC). The passage is hopelessly obscure.</p><p>Horace J. Wolf</p>