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shim´eÌ„Ì-ath-ı̄ts (ש×מעתי×, shim‛aÌ„thı̄m; Codex Vaticanus and Codex Alexandrinus ΣαμαθιειÌμ, SamathieıÌm; Lucian, ΣαμαθειÌν, SamatheıÌn): A subdivision of the tribe of Caleb (). In the three families mentioned in this passage Jerome saw three distinct classes of religious functionaries: Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) canentes atque resonantes et in tabernaculis commorantes. The Targum has a similar explanation, except that the “Sucathites†are those “covered†with a spirit of prophecy. Bertheau (Handbuch zum Altes Testament) accepts Jerome's explanation, except that he regards the first class as gate-keepers (Aramaic תּרע, tera‛ = Hebrew ש×ער, sha‛ar). Wellhausen (DGJ, 30 f) finds underlying the three names תּרעה, tir‛aÌ„h, a technical term for sacred music-making, ש×מעה, shim‛aÌ„h, the Halacha or sacred tradition. Buhl (HWB13) derives Shimeathites and Sucathites from unknown places. Keil interprets as descendants from the unknown Shemei (compare Curtis, ICC). The passage is hopelessly obscure.