The name "Shammua" is spelled using the English alphabet, but the pronunciation can be indicated by the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ʃæmuːə/. The first sound, "sh," is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, made by placing the tongue near the front of the palate and exhaling forcefully. The "a" sounds like the "a" in "cat," and the "u" is pronounced like the "oo" in "moon." Finally, the last sound, "ə," is called a schwa, a neutral vowel sound found in unstressed syllables.
Shammua is a biblical name of Hebrew origin that appears in the Old Testament. In the Bible, Shammua is mentioned as one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout out the land of Canaan before the Israelites' conquest. The name "Shammua" is derived from the Hebrew word "shama," which means "to hear" or "to listen." As such, Shammua can be interpreted as "heard of the Lord" or "one who listens to God."
Though Shammua's role in the biblical narrative is relatively brief, his inclusion among the celebrated twelve spies underscores his significance as a trusted and respected member within the Israelite community. Known for their courage and faith, this group was chosen to gather intelligence on the land that God had promised to give the Israelites.
Shammua, as part of the group, provided information on the land's fertility, inhabitants, and fortifications. Despite their report, only Joshua and Caleb demonstrated faith in God's promise, while the other ten spies propagated fear and uncertainty among the Israelites.
Overall, Shammua's name embodies the value of actively listening to God's voice and obediently following His divine guidance. In a religious context, the name Shammua is often associated with faithfulness, trust, and spiritual openness, reminding individuals of the importance of attuning their ears to God's message and being responsive to His calling in their lives.
The name Shammua has Hebrew origins. It is derived from the Hebrew word shem, which means name or renown. When combined with the Hebrew suffix -ua, which means he is, the name Shammua can be translated to mean his name is renowned or famous.