The meaning of “שֵׁם”
Understanding shêm reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
[phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. - an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality - by...
שֵׁם
[phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. - an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality - by implication honor, authority, character 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 26:25 | “And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the Lord, and pitched his tent there: and there Isaac’s servants digged a well.” Word: שֵׁם (shêm) | |
| Ruth 4:5 | “Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.” Word: שֵׁם (shêm) | |
| Ezra 8:20 | “Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name.” Word: שֵׁם (shêm) | |
| Song of Solomon 1:3 | “Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.” Word: שֵׁם (shêm) | |
| Joel 2:32 | “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call. ” Word: שֵׁם (shêm) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Name
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Name, reputation
The Hebrew shem (שֵׁם) means name—representing character, authority, and reputation. God's name is holy (Leviticus 20:3), and He promised Abraham 'I will make thy name great' (Genesis 12:2).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Name, authority
The Greek onoma (ὄνομα) denotes name or authority. At Jesus' name 'every knee should bow' (Philippians 2:10), and 'there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved' (Acts 4:12).