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Mishma

biblical_person_name theological_term standard

A biblical personal name borne by an Ishmaelite and by a Simeonite descendant; not a theological term.

At a Glance

Biblical proper name

Key Points

Description

Mishma is an Old Testament personal name used in genealogical records. Genesis lists Mishma among the sons of Ishmael, and Chronicles also uses the name for a Simeonite descendant. Because the term identifies people rather than a doctrine, practice, or theological concept, it should be treated as a biblical proper name entry rather than as a theological term. The entry is useful chiefly for tracking family lines, tribal memory, and the continuity of biblical genealogies.

Biblical Context

The name appears in genealogical passages that preserve Israel’s family history and the related lines surrounding Ishmael and Simeon. These references show how Scripture records both major covenant figures and lesser-known descendants.

Historical Context

Genealogies in the ancient Near East served identity, inheritance, and tribal continuity. Biblical lists such as these help locate families within Israel’s remembered history.

Jewish and Ancient Context

In ancient Jewish life, genealogies mattered for tribal affiliation, family standing, and the preservation of covenant memory. Names like Mishma are part of that larger biblical record.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

Hebrew personal name, likely connected to the root meaning ‘hear’ or ‘hearing.’

Theological Significance

Mishma itself does not teach a doctrine, but the name belongs to Scripture’s careful preservation of family lines and historical memory. It also reminds readers that even lesser-known names serve the Bible’s broader narrative.

Philosophical Explanation

As a proper name, Mishma is a referential marker rather than a concept. Its significance lies in identification and continuity, not in abstract theological content.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not build doctrine from the name itself. The same name may refer to more than one person, so context must determine which individual is in view.

Major Views

The main issue is not interpretive disagreement but identification: Genesis and Chronicles use the same name in different genealogical settings.

Doctrinal Boundaries

This is not a theological term, title, office, or attribute of God. It should be treated as a biblical proper name only.

Practical Significance

Mishma illustrates the value Scripture places on names, families, and recorded lineage. It also encourages careful reading of genealogical passages that can seem minor but still contribute to the Bible’s historical record.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Mishma

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