Who is…
Shammah

Meaning: desert

This is the name of 4 biblical men.

  1. Shammah, grandson of Esau’s wife Basemath

    His father is Reuel, a son of Esau and Basemath (aka Bashemath).

    He is one of the leaders of Edom (Genesis 36:13, 17).

    Relatives

    Q & A

  2. Shammah, son of Jesse

    also known as: Shimeah, Shimea, Shimma

    One of the sons of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:9). He is a brother of King David. He is also called Shimeah (2 Samuel 13:3) and Shimma (1 Chronicles 2:13).

    Relatives

    Q & A

  3. Shammah, a mighty man of David

    His father is Agee, a Hararite (aka Harrarite). Shammah is one of David’s 3 mighty men, whose outstanding courage and skill was used by God to bring a great victory.

    And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory. —2 Samuel 23:11-12 KJV

    Hararite means “mountaineer” or “mountain dweller” (from the Hebrew word har, mountain). It refers to someone from the hill country (likely in Judah). The name is also mentioned for others like Ahiam son of Sharar/Sacar (2 Sam 23:33; 1 Chron 11:35).

    Q & A

  4. Shammah, another of David’s mighty men

    Shammah is one of David's mighties (2 Samuel 23:25). He is also called Shammoth (1 Chronicles 11:27) and Shamhuth (1 Chronicles 27:8).

More information

Article Version: February 18, 2026