Semei
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Semei in the Bible?
Semei denotes several distinct individuals in biblical literature, including a Benjamite who cursed King David, a Levite ancestor of Ezra, and figures listed in the genealogies of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke and the apocryphal Additions to Esther.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying these various bearers of the name Semei clarifies the complex lineage of Israelite tribes and the historical context of the Davidic monarchy, aiding readers in distinguishing between different characters who share the same name across Old and New Testament texts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Semei reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Semei in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Semei clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Semei." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/semei/