שִׁמְשׁוֹן

Shimshon, an Israelite

Definition

Shimshon (Samson) is the name of a prominent judge of Israel, known for his extraordinary physical strength, which was divinely granted through his Nazirite vow (Judges 13:5). His story, detailed in Judges 13–16, portrays a complex figure whose personal failings and conflicts with the Philistines are ultimately used by God to begin delivering Israel from oppression (Judges 13:5). The name itself means 'little sun' or 'sunlight,' which may poetically reflect his role or the hope he represented, though his narrative is marked by cycles of strength, moral compromise, and tragic downfall leading to a final, redemptive act of destruction against Israel's enemies (Judges 16:30).

Biblical Usage

The name שִׁמְשׁוֹן is used exclusively in the book of Judges (chapters 13–16) to refer to the judge Samson. It appears 37 times, primarily in narrative contexts detailing his birth, exploits, relationships, and death. The usage consistently identifies him as an individual set apart for God's purpose (Judges 13:24), yet whose personal choices repeatedly lead him into conflict and captivity, culminating in his final prayer and act of strength in Judges 16:28-30.

Etymology

The name שִׁמְשׁוֹן (Shimshon) is a diminutive or derivative form of the Hebrew noun שֶׁמֶשׁ (shemesh, H8121), meaning 'sun.' It literally means 'little sun' or 'sunlight.' The formation uses the common diminutive suffix '-וֹן' (-on). This etymology connects the name to solar imagery, which may symbolically relate to strength, radiance, or a hoped-for deliverer, though the biblical narrative does not explicitly develop this solar metaphor.

Semantic Range

Samson's story is theologically significant as a demonstration of God's sovereignty in using flawed individuals for His redemptive purposes. Despite Samson's personal failures, God's Spirit empowers him (Judges 14:6, 19), showing that God's plans are not thwarted by human weakness. His Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-21) highlights the theme of being set apart for God, while his final prayer (Judges 16:28) indicates a turn toward dependence on God, fulfilling his destiny to 'begin to save Israel' (Judges 13:5). He is listed among the faithful in Hebrews 11:32.

In the ancient Near East, names were often meaningful and thought to influence or reflect destiny. A name derived from 'sun' could imply attributes like strength, vitality, or leadership. As a Nazirite, Samson was consecrated under a special vow that included prohibitions against cutting hair, drinking wine, and touching dead bodies (Judges 13:4-5). His lifelong conflict with the Philistines reflects the ongoing struggle for control of the land of Canaan during the period of the Judges.

שֶׁמֶשׁ (shemesh, H8121) — The root word meaning 'sun,' from which Samson's name is derived. נָזִיר (nazir, H5139) — A 'Nazirite,' one consecrated by a special vow, describing Samson's dedicated status (Judges 13:5). שׁוֹפֵט (shofet, H8199) — A 'judge' or deliverer, the leadership role Samson held in Israel.

Word Details

Scripture References