BIBLE HEBREW WORD STUDY
Shem — Name, Honor, and Character
שֵׁם (šēm) denotes a name as a distinctive mark or memorial, extending to honor, authority, and character.
Meaning of the word
As an appellation, שֵׁם identifies a person, place, animal, or river by the name assigned to it. Genesis repeatedly presents naming as a way of marking individuality: Pishon, Gihon, Hiddekel, living creatures, and Eve are each designated by name.
The word can also signify the honor, authority, or character associated with a name. Thus a person may be made great in name, and God’s name carries divine identity and repute.
The expression for his name’s sake in Psalms 23:3 shows that a name can represent the one who bears it; God acts for the sake of his own name.
Usage in Scripture
In Genesis, שֵׁם is used in ordinary acts of identification: rivers receive names, Adam names living creatures, and Adam names his wife Eve. Genesis 12:2 extends the sense to making Abram’s name great, while Genesis 12:8 speaks of calling upon the name of Jehovah.
The covenant commands use the same word to guard God’s reputation. Exodus 20:7 forbids taking Jehovah’s name in vain, and Exodus 20:24 connects selected places of worship with places where God records his name. These uses show that the divine name stands for God’s identity, authority, and honor.
The word in detail
- H8034 שֵׁם (šēm), an appellation or identifying mark, can become a memorial of individuality. By implication it may denote honor, authority, or character. Examples range from the names of rivers and Eve to the greatness of Abram’s name, calling on Jehovah’s name, honoring God’s name, and acting for his name’s sake.
Example verses
- Genesis 2:11 The first river is identified as Pishon, a straightforward use of שֵׁם as the river’s name.
- Genesis 12:2 Here שֵׁם extends beyond an identifying label to the honor or greatness attached to Abram’s reputation.
- Exodus 20:7 The command protects the honor and character represented by the name of Jehovah.
- Psalms 23:3 The phrase for his name’s sake presents God himself as the reason and ground of his saving guidance.
Common questions
What does שֵׁם mean?
It means a name or appellation: an identifying mark of individuality, and by implication honor, authority, or character.
How is שֵׁם used in Genesis?
It names rivers, living creatures, and Eve, and it also describes making Abram’s name great.
Why is God’s name important in Exodus 20:7?
The name represents Jehovah’s identity and honor, so using it in vain treats him without due regard.