Shammua, Son of David
Who was Shammua, Son of David, in the Bible?
Shammua was a son of King David and Bathsheba, born in Jerusalem during the United Monarchy as a full brother to King Solomon.
This is one of 3 people named Shammua in the Bible. See all 3 →
Shammua (also recorded as Shimea) was a prince of Israel during the height of the United Monarchy in the 10th century BC. He was the first son born to King David and Bathsheba after David established Jerusalem as the capital of the unified twelve tribes. As a member of the royal household, Shammua lived during a pivotal transition in Israel’s history, moving from the volatile reign of Saul to the centralized power and architectural expansion of the Davidic dynasty.
While Shammua did not succeed his father to the throne—a role that fell to his younger brother Solomon—his presence in the biblical genealogies serves to document the legitimacy and scope of David's lineage in Jerusalem. He is consistently listed among the four sons born to Bathsheba, placing him in the inner circle of the Davidic line.
Background and Family
Shammua was born in Jerusalem following David’s consolidation of power over all Israel. According to the genealogical records in 2 Samuel 5:14 and 1 Chronicles 14:4, Shammua appears at the head of the list of sons born to David after he relocated from Hebron to the new capital of Jerusalem. His mother is identified in 1 Chronicles 3:5 as Bathsheba (referred to there as Bath-shua), the daughter of Ammiel.
Shammua grew up in a complex royal court characterized by a large number of half-siblings. His full brothers—those also born to Bathsheba—included Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon. His older half-brothers, born while David reigned in Hebron, included prominent and often troubled figures such as Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah. Shammua also had a sister, Tamar, and numerous other half-brothers like Chileab, Shephatiah, and Ithream.
Major Life Events
The biblical text does not record specific political or military actions attributed to Shammua. Instead, his life is framed by the establishment of the Davidic covenant and the expansion of the royal family in the City of David. His birth marked a shift in David’s reign; whereas the sons born in Hebron represented David's rise to power, the sons born in Jerusalem—led by Shammua—represented the stability and permanence of the dynasty in the chosen capital.
In the genealogical list found in 1 Chronicles 3:5, Shammua is called "Shimea." The variation in spelling is common in ancient Hebrew manuscripts, but the context confirms he is the same individual. The text emphasizes that Shammua and his three brothers were born to Bathsheba, distinguishing them from the children of David’s other wives and concubines.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
As the eldest of Bathsheba’s surviving children, Shammua occupied a unique position. While the biblical narrative eventually focuses on Solomon as the chosen successor and Nathan as a legal ancestor of Jesus (according to the Lucan genealogy), Shammua remains a silent witness to the internal struggles of the house of David. He would have lived through the rebellions of his half-brothers Absalom and Adonijah.
Despite being older than Solomon, Shammua was bypassed for the throne. The scriptures do not indicate any rivalry between the brothers, suggesting that the divine choice of Solomon was accepted within this specific branch of the family.
Spiritual Significance
The inclusion of Shammua in the sacred record serves a primarily genealogical and foundational purpose. By listing the sons born in Jerusalem, the biblical authors emphasize the fulfillment of God's promise to build David a "house" (2 Samuel 7). Shammua is a physical testament to the continuation of the Davidic line in the holy city.
Furthermore, the mention of Shammua as a son of Bathsheba highlights the grace extended to the royal family. Following the death of David and Bathsheba's first, unnamed child (born of adultery), the birth of Shammua and his brothers signaled a period of restoration and the continued blessing of the lineage that would eventually lead to the Messiah.
Shammua represents the growth of the Davidic dynasty in Jerusalem. His presence in the genealogies of both 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles validates the historical reality of David's large household and the specific branch of the family that produced Solomon. Theologically, he belongs to the generation of the United Monarchy that witnessed the transition from a nomadic kingship to a settled imperial power under the covenantal promises of God.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Shammua's mother?
Shammua was the son of Bathsheba (also called Bath-shua), the daughter of Ammiel.
Is Shammua known by any other name?
Yes, in 1 Chronicles 3:5, he is referred to as Shimea.
Was Shammua the eldest son of David?
No, he was one of the sons born in Jerusalem. David had several older sons born in Hebron, including Amnon, Chileab, Absalom, and Adonijah.
Did Shammua ever become king?
No, the throne passed to his younger brother Solomon.
Where was Shammua born?
According to 2 Samuel 5:14, he was born in Jerusalem.
Family & Relationships
Parents
DavidFather2 Samuel 3:2Inferred
Reconstructed through Nathan: 2 Samuel 5:14 ties Shammua to Nathan (itself an inferred link); Luke 3:31 ties Nathan to David. No verse states the father link between Shammua and David directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:2
BathshebaMother1 Chronicles 3:5Inferred
Reconstructed through Shobab: 2 Samuel 5:14 ties Shammua to Shobab (itself an inferred link); 1 Chronicles 3:5 ties Shobab to Bathsheba. No verse states the mother link between Shammua and Bathsheba directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 3:5
Shammua, Son of DavidThis page
AbsalomBrother2 Samuel 3:3Inferred
Reconstructed through Nathan and David: 2 Samuel 5:14 ties Shammua to Nathan (itself an inferred link); Luke 3:31 ties Nathan to David; 2 Samuel 13:1 ties David to Absalom. No verse states the brother link between Shammua and Absalom directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:3
Adonijah, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 3:4Inferred
Reconstructed through Solomon: 2 Samuel 5:14 ties Shammua to Solomon (itself an inferred link); 1 Kings 2:22 ties Solomon to Adonijah. No verse states the brother link between Shammua and Adonijah directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:4
Amnon, Firstborn Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 3:2Inferred
Reconstructed through David and Solomon: 2 Samuel 3:2 ties Amnon to David; 2 Samuel 12:24 ties David to Solomon; 2 Samuel 5:14 ties Solomon to Shammua (itself an inferred link). No verse states the brother link between Amnon and Shammua directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:2
ChileabBrother2 Samuel 3:3Inferred
No verse names Shammua and Chileab together; the brother link is carried from the surrounding genealogy and is not stated in Scripture.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:3
Eliada, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 5:14Inferred
No verse names Eliada and Shammua together; the brother link is carried from the surrounding genealogy and is not stated in Scripture.Evidence: 2 Samuel 5:14
Eliphelet, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 5:14Inferred
Reconstructed through David and Solomon: 1 Chronicles 3:6 ties Eliphelet to David; 2 Samuel 12:24 ties David to Solomon; 2 Samuel 5:14 ties Solomon to Shammua (itself an inferred link). No verse states the brother link between Eliphelet and Shammua directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 5:14
Elishama, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 5:14Inferred
No verse names Elishama and Shammua together; the brother link is carried from the surrounding genealogy and is not stated in Scripture.Evidence: 2 Samuel 5:14
ElishuaBrother2 Samuel 5:14Inferred
Reconstructed through David and Solomon: 1 Chronicles 3:6 ties Elishua to David; 2 Samuel 12:24 ties David to Solomon; 2 Samuel 5:14 ties Solomon to Shammua (itself an inferred link). No verse states the brother link between Elishua and Shammua directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 5:14
IbharBrother2 Samuel 5:14Inferred
Reconstructed through Nathan and David: 2 Samuel 5:14 ties Shammua to Nathan (itself an inferred link); Luke 3:31 ties Nathan to David; 1 Chronicles 3:6 ties David to Ibhar. No verse states the brother link between Shammua and Ibhar directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 5:14
IthreamBrother2 Samuel 3:5Inferred
Reconstructed through Nathan and David: 2 Samuel 5:14 ties Shammua to Nathan (itself an inferred link); Luke 3:31 ties Nathan to David; 2 Samuel 3:5 ties David to Ithream. No verse states the brother link between Shammua and Ithream directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:5
Japhia, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 5:14Inferred
No verse names Shammua and Japhia together; the brother link is carried from the surrounding genealogy and is not stated in Scripture.Evidence: 2 Samuel 5:14
Nathan, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 5:14Inferred
2 Samuel 5:14 names Shammua and Nathan in the same verse but does not state a brother tie between them; the link rests on the surrounding narrative.Evidence: 2 Samuel 5:14
Nepheg, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 5:14Inferred
No verse names Nepheg and Shammua together; the brother link is carried from the surrounding genealogy and is not stated in Scripture.Evidence: 2 Samuel 5:14
Shephatiah, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 3:4Inferred
Reconstructed through Adonijah and Solomon: 2 Samuel 3:4 ties Shephatiah to Adonijah; 1 Kings 2:22 ties Adonijah to Solomon; 2 Samuel 5:14 ties Solomon to Shammua (itself an inferred link). No verse states the brother link between Shephatiah and Shammua directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:4
Shobab, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 5:14Inferred
2 Samuel 5:14 names Shammua and Shobab in the same verse but does not state a brother tie between them; the link rests on the surrounding narrative.Evidence: 2 Samuel 5:14
SolomonBrother2 Samuel 5:14Inferred
2 Samuel 5:14 names Shammua and Solomon in the same verse but does not state a brother tie between them; the link rests on the surrounding narrative.Evidence: 2 Samuel 5:14
Tamar, Daughter of DavidSister2 Samuel 5:14Inferred
Reconstructed through David and Solomon: 1 Chronicles 3:9 ties Tamar to David; 2 Samuel 12:24 ties David to Solomon; 2 Samuel 5:14 ties Solomon to Shammua (itself an inferred link). No verse states the brother link between Tamar and Shammua directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 5:14
ElpeletBrother2 Samuel 5:14Inferred
No verse names Elpelet and Shammua together; the brother link is carried from the surrounding genealogy and is not stated in Scripture.Evidence: 2 Samuel 5:14
NogahBrother2 Samuel 5:14Inferred
No verse names Nogah and Shammua together; the brother link is carried from the surrounding genealogy and is not stated in Scripture.Evidence: 2 Samuel 5:14
Jerimoth, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 5:14Inferred
Reconstructed through Rehoboam and Solomon: 2 Chronicles 11:18 ties Jerimoth to Rehoboam (itself an inferred link); 1 Kings 12:6 ties Rehoboam to Solomon; 2 Samuel 5:14 ties Solomon to Shammua (itself an inferred link). No verse states the brother link between Jerimoth and Shammua directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 5:14
Connected Figures
Family
Father · 2 Samuel 3:2
The second king of the United Monarchy of Israel, a shepherd-warrior and psalmist known as a man after God's own heart.
United MonarchyFirst: Ruth 4:17998 versesKing of Israel, Shepherd, Musician, WarriorJudah
Mother · 1 Chronicles 3:5
The daughter of Eliam, wife of Uriah the Hittite, and later the wife of King David and mother of King Solomon.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 11:312 versesQueen Consort, Queen MotherJudah
Brother · 2 Samuel 3:3
The third son of King David, Absalom was a charismatic prince who staged a major rebellion against his father and was ultimately killed in battle by Joab.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 3:3104 versesPrince / Rebel LeaderJudah
Brother · 2 Samuel 3:4
The fourth son of King David, Adonijah attempted to seize the throne of Israel during his father's final days, ultimately failing and meeting his execution under King Solomon.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 3:434 versesPrince of IsraelJudah
Brother · 2 Samuel 3:2
The firstborn son of King David, Amnon is primarily known for the violation of his half-sister Tamar, an act that triggered a bloody cycle of revenge within the royal family.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 3:232 versesPrince and heir apparentJudah
Brother · 2 Samuel 3:3
Chileab was the second son of King David, born in Hebron to Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel during the United Monarchy.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 3:313 versesPrince of IsraelJudah
Brother · 2 Samuel 5:14
Eliada was a son of King David born in Jerusalem, listed among the children of the United Monarchy period.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 5:1616 versesPrince of IsraelJudah
Brother · 2 Samuel 5:14
Eliphelet was a son of King David, born in Jerusalem during the United Monarchy, and is listed among the royal children in the books of Samuel and Chronicles.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 5:1615 versesPrince of IsraelJudah
Brother · 2 Samuel 5:14
A son of King David born in Jerusalem during the United Monarchy and listed among the royal descendants in the books of Samuel and Chronicles.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 5:1616 versesPrince of IsraelJudah
Brother · 2 Samuel 5:14
A son of King David born in Jerusalem during the early years of the United Monarchy.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 5:1514 versesPrince of IsraelJudah
Brother · 2 Samuel 5:14
Ibhar was a son of King David, born in Jerusalem during the era of the United Monarchy.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 5:1514 versesPrince of IsraelJudah
Brother · 2 Samuel 3:5
The sixth son of King David, born to his wife Eglah during David's seven-year reign in Hebron.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 3:512 versesPrince of IsraelJudah
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 2 Samuel9
- 1 Chronicles4
- 2 Chronicles1
Scripture References
All 14 indexed verses, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
2 Samuel · 9
- 2 Samuel 3:2Partial
And sons were born to David in Hebron: His firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam of Jezreel;
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 2 Samuel 3:3Partial
his second was Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; his third was Absalom, the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur;
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 2 Samuel 3:4Partial
his fourth was Adonijah, the son of Haggith; his fifth was Shephatiah, the son of Abital;
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 2 Samuel 3:5Partial
and his sixth was Ithream, by David’s wife Eglah. These sons were born to David in Hebron.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 2 Samuel 5:13Partial
After he had arrived from Hebron, David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, and more sons and daughters were born to him.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 2 Samuel 5:14
These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,
- 2 Samuel 5:15Partial
Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia,
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 2 Samuel 5:16Partial
Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 2 Samuel 13:1Partial
After some time, David’s son Amnon fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of David’s son Absalom.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
1 Chronicles · 4
- 1 Chronicles 3:5
and these sons were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon. These four were born to him by Bathsheba daughter of Ammiel.
- 1 Chronicles 3:6Partial
David’s other sons were Ibhar, Elishua, Eliphelet,
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 3:7Partial
Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia,
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 14:4
These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,
2 Chronicles · 1
- 2 Chronicles 11:18Partial
And Rehoboam married Mahalath, who was the daughter of David’s son Jerimoth and of Abihail, the daughter of Jesse’s son Eliab.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
Others Named Shammua
Compare all 3 bearers →Shammua, Son of ZaccurNumbers 13:4
A leader from the tribe of Reuben chosen by Moses as one of the twelve spies to scout the land of Canaan.
Shammua, Priest of the Post-Exilic PeriodNehemiah 12:18
A priest and head of the ancestral house of Bilgah during the generation of the high priest Joiakim following the return from Babylon.