Semeis
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Semeis in the Bible?
Semeis is a Levite identified in 1 Esdras 9:23 as one of the men who divorced their foreign wives, corresponding to the figure named Shimei in Ezra 10:23.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Semeis as the parallel figure to Shimei clarifies textual variations between the books of Ezra and 1 Esdras, aiding readers in tracing the specific lineage and actions of Levites during the post-exilic reform.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Semeis reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Semeis in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Semeis clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Ezra 10:23
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
"Semeis." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/semeis/