Shimshai
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Shimshai in the Bible?
Shimshai served as a state secretary who, alongside other officials, authored a letter to King Artaxerxes urging the prohibition of the Jewish temple reconstruction, as recorded in Ezra 4:8, 9, 17, and 23.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Shimshai's role clarifies the political mechanisms and administrative opposition the Jewish community encountered during the restoration of their religious center under Persian rule.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Shimshai reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Shimshai in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Shimshai clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Ezra 4:8
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
"Shimshai." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/shimshai/