Who was Semei?
Semei (Greek: Σεμεΐ, Semei) is a figure mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in Luke 3:26. In this passage, he is listed as an ancestor in the lineage of Jesus through Joseph, the supposed father of Jesus. Though little is directly said about Semei in the text, his inclusion in Luke’s genealogy holds theological and historical significance.
The name “Semei” corresponds to the Hebrew name Shimei (שִׁמְעִי), which means “renowned” or “heard.” This name appears multiple times in the Old Testament and is borne by various individuals, most notably a Benjamite who cursed David in 2 Samuel 16. However, the Semei of Luke 3:26 is distinct from those Old Testament characters and appears only in this genealogical listing.
Luke 3:26 says:
“…the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda…” (NIV)
This brief mention places Semei within a larger theological framework that connects Jesus to the covenantal promises given to Israel.
Biblical References and Cross-References
- Luke 3:26 – Semei is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus.
- Matthew 1 – A parallel genealogy through Joseph, although Semei is not mentioned, reflecting a different genealogical path through David’s son Solomon (as opposed to Luke‘s line through Nathan).
- 2 Samuel 16:5-13 – While referring to another man named Shimei, this passage offers a look into how names and their associations can reflect theological or moral character in biblical history.
What Happened in the Bible?
Semei himself is not described beyond his placement in the genealogical record. However, the inclusion of his name by the Holy Spirit through Luke serves a critical purpose: to demonstrate Jesus’ physical connection to humanity and His legal right to David’s throne.
Luke’s genealogy traces Jesus’ lineage all the way back to Adam, highlighting His full identification with mankind. It differs from Matthew’s in its structure and emphasis—while Matthew begins with Abraham to focus on Jewish heritage, Luke goes to Adam to emphasize universal salvation.
The appearance of Semei among the forebears of Jesus shows that even seemingly obscure individuals were part of God’s sovereign plan to bring forth the Messiah. Their names, though lost in the silence of history, are remembered in the eternal record of Scripture because they played a role in God‘s unfolding redemptive narrative.
What It Means for Today’s Christians
Semei represents the reality that many faithful people who lived and died without public recognition were nonetheless known by God and instrumental in the divine plan. His quiet inclusion in Jesus‘ genealogy reminds believers that their faithfulness matters—even if the world never sees or applauds it.
In a world that prizes fame and visibility, Semei encourages Christians to value obedience and legacy in God’s eyes over worldly success. Every believer is part of a greater spiritual heritage, and each act of faith may carry forward implications far beyond what we can imagine.
Moreover, the genealogy in Luke, including Semei, underscores the humanity of Jesus. The Savior did not descend from a line of perfect, high-profile individuals, but from real, ordinary people—some known, others forgotten by time—who bore the image of God and were used to carry out His purpose.
How Semei’s Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel
Though Semei himself did not perform any recorded acts, his placement in Jesus’ family tree serves the gospel by reinforcing the truth of the Incarnation. Jesus entered the human story not from outside it but through it—embracing the full reality of human lineage, with all its imperfections and unknowns.
The inclusion of names like Semei reminds us that the Messiah came to redeem not just kings and prophets, but also the ordinary, the overlooked, and the forgotten. In Jesus, every person—regardless of status or visibility—can find a place in the kingdom of God.
Just as Semei contributed to the lineage of the Redeemer, each believer today is called to be part of God‘s redemptive work. The gospel is not merely a message for the famous or mighty; it is for everyone, and it redeems every story, including those that seem hidden from history.
Broader Biblical Themes
1. God’s Sovereign Plan Through Generations
The genealogy in Luke 3 reveals God’s long-term orchestration of history. Individuals like Semei show that no part of the plan was random—each generation was chosen to carry the promise forward.
2. The Significance of the Ordinary
Semei’s lack of narrative content paradoxically adds depth to the message. Many who serve God do so without fame, yet their role is no less vital in the eternal scope of His work.
3. Jesus’ Identification with Humanity
Luke emphasizes Jesus as the Son of Man. By including figures like Semei, the genealogy connects Jesus to the entirety of human history, affirming both His divinity and His humanity.
4. The Reliability of Scripture
Even a single name in a genealogy reflects the faithfulness of God to preserve His Word. The presence of Semei speaks to the historical reality of the Messiah’s coming through a real and traceable human line.
Reflection Questions
- What does Semei’s inclusion in Jesus’ genealogy teach you about God’s use of unknown people for eternal purposes?
- How does knowing that Jesus descended from ordinary people like Semei encourage you in your faith journey?
- Do you sometimes feel that your contribution to God’s kingdom is too small to matter? How does Semei’s story challenge that perspective?
- What does the genealogy in Luke 3 say about God’s faithfulness across generations?
- How can you live in such a way that your legacy—known or unknown—points others to Jesus?
Though Semei is a small name in the biblical record, his presence in the lineage of Christ reminds us that no person is too small to be part of God’s great redemption story.