Shalmai
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Shalmai in the Bible?
A variant spelling of the name Shamlai found in Ezra 2:46 and Salmai in Nehemiah 7:48, referring to an individual among the returned exiles.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing these textual variants clarifies the identity of specific individuals in the post-exilic community and aids in reconciling discrepancies between the parallel genealogical records in Ezra and Nehemiah.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Shalmai reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Shalmai in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Shalmai clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Ezra 2:46Nehemiah 7:48
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
"Shalmai." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/shalmai/