⚡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The Shema is the opening word of Deuteronomy 6:4, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one,' serving as the central confession of faith in Judaism. Although the Hebrew verb shema means 'to hear' or 'to obey' and appears as a proper name in genealogical records like 1 Chronicles 4:36, its primary historical and cultural weight derives from its function as the title for this foundational biblical passage.
What is the meaning of Shema in the Bible?
The Shema is the opening word of Deuteronomy 6:4, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one,' serving as the central confession of faith in Judaism. Although the Hebrew verb shema means 'to hear' or 'to obey' and appears as a proper name in genealogical records like 1 Chronicles 4:36, its primary historical and cultural weight derives from its function as the title for this foundational biblical passage.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Engaging with the Shema clarifies the covenantal bond between God and Israel in the Hebrew Bible, illustrating how auditory obedience and strict monotheism formed the bedrock of ancient Israelite religious practice and communal identity.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Shema in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Shema clarify?
Lesson 13: The Shema & Discipling the Home
Explore this concept in depth with our step-by-step group leader guide, commentary, and printable participant worksheet for Deuteronomy 6:1–15.
Open Study Guide & Worksheet →Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.