Shem

AKA

Definition

Original Word: שֵׁם

Transliteration: shem

Part(s) of Speech

Part of Speech: Noun Masculine

Carries Idea Of

To Hebrews, a name is not simple something we use to identify someone. There is a similar Hebrew word, “neshama,” it literally means ‘breath.’ If you look into neshama, you will find it fascinating as it is one part of our soul. God’s exhaling. It is the seat of ones character. So a name to Hebrews, ‘shem’ denotes character, reputation, authority, and purpose of an individual, it makes up an identity. God told Moses his name was Yehweh/Jehovah- “the one who exists”. The ‘I am.’ See how His name denotes His identity.

Reputation, fame,

Links

Internal

Link to Other Lexicons

Websites

NOTES:

Heiser, Michael S.. The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible. Lexham Press. Kindle Edition.

It was at Babylon where people sought to “make a name (shem) for themselves” by building a tower that reached to the heavens, the realm of the gods.