Ἐμμόρ

Hamor

Definition

Ἐμμόρ (Hamor) is the Greek form of the Hebrew name חֲמוֹר (Ḥămōr), meaning 'donkey'. In the Bible, Hamor is a Hivite prince, the father of Shechem, who appears in Genesis 33:19 and 34. He is best known for the incident where his son Shechem defiles Dinah, Jacob's daughter, leading to a deceptive peace treaty and the subsequent massacre of the men of Shechem by Jacob's sons Simeon and Levi. The New Testament reference in Acts 7:16, spoken by Stephen, mentions Hamor as the father of the men from whom Abraham purchased a burial plot at Shechem, though this account appears to conflate details from the separate purchases by Abraham (from the sons of Heth in Genesis 23) and Jacob (from the sons of Hamor in Genesis 33:19).

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 7:16, within Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin. Stephen references Hamor in a historical summary of the patriarchs, specifically recounting the transfer of Jacob's body to the tomb Abraham bought from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. The usage is purely referential, invoking Hamor to establish the ancient, legitimate burial site of the patriarchs in the Promised Land, which underscores the continuity of God's promises.

Etymology

The Greek Ἐμμόρ is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name חֲמוֹר (Ḥămōr), which literally means 'donkey'. In the ancient Near East, names derived from animals were common, and 'donkey' could symbolize strength, wealth, or servitude. The Greek form preserves the original sound and meaning of the Hebrew proper noun without semantic development.

Semantic Range

Hamor, while a minor figure, plays a role in the theological narrative of God's covenant people interacting with, and being distinct from, the inhabitants of Canaan. His mention in Acts 7:16 by Stephen is significant for connecting the patriarchs to the specific land of promise (Shechem) and for highlighting the theme of burial in the Promised Land as an act of faith in God's future fulfillment (Hebrews 11:22). Understanding that this is a transliterated name enriches reading by reminding us of the Hebrew Old Testament context behind Stephen's Greek speech.

As a Hivite prince, Hamor represented one of the Canaanite peoples whom Israel would later dispossess. The name itself ('donkey') reflects common ancient naming conventions where animals denoted traits or status—donkeys were valuable beasts of burden and symbols of wealth. The transaction for land (Genesis 33:19) and the subsequent violent conflict (Genesis 34) illustrate the complex, often fraught, relations between the patriarchal family and the local inhabitants, governed by codes of honor, treaty, and revenge.

There are no direct Greek synonyms for this proper name. It is uniquely tied to the biblical character.

Word Details

Scripture References