Brief Overview of Σήμ (Strong’s G4590: Sēm)

Strong’s G4590: Greek form of the Hebrew name שֵׁם (Shem), meaning “name” or “renown.” Noah’s firstborn son and ancestor of the Semitic peoples, through whom the Messianic line continued. His inclusion in Luke’s genealogy emphasizes Jesus’ connection to God’s covenant promises.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σήμ represents a crucial link in the Messianic lineage, appearing in Luke 3:36 as part of Jesus’ genealogy. As Noah’s son who received a special blessing, Shem became the ancestor of the Semitic peoples, including the Hebrews. Early church writers saw his blessing by Noah as prophetic of Christ’s coming through his line. Today, his name reminds us of God’s faithfulness in preserving the covenant line through which salvation would come to all nations.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σήμ, Sēm, SAME
• Detailed pronunciation: one syllable: ‘SAME’ as in same
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Transliteration of Hebrew שֵׁם (Shem)
• From Hebrew root meaning “name” or “renown”
• Indeclinable in Greek

D – Defining Meanings

• Name, renown
• Famous one
• Patriarch of Semitic peoples

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a transliterated proper noun

Translation Options:

• “Shem” – Traditional English rendering
• “Sem” – Alternative transliteration
• “Sēm” – Academic transliteration

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Νῶε (Nōe, NO-eh) – Noah See G3575
• Ἀβραάμ (Abraham, ah-brah-AM) – Abraham See G11
• Ἔβερ (Eber, EH-ber) – Eber See G1443

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Indeclinable proper noun
• Always masculine
• No case changes
• Always singular

As an indeclinable noun, Σήμ maintains the same form regardless of its grammatical function in the sentence.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG identifies Σήμ as Noah’s son in Jesus’ genealogy. Thayer’s emphasizes his role as progenitor of Semitic peoples. LSJ notes its use in historical literature. Vine’s connects it to the covenant promises. Strong’s links it to the concept of renown. Moulton-Milligan documents its appearance in Jewish-Greek texts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech.” Luke 3:36

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σήμ exemplifies God’s sovereign choice in preserving the line through which Christ would come. His blessing by Noah foreshadowed the greater blessing that would come through his descendant Jesus. His story reminds us that God’s promises are sure, and His plan of salvation encompasses all nations while working through specific chosen vessels.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term “Semitic” derives from the name Shem.
2. Ancient Jewish tradition held that Shem was identified with Melchizedek.
3. Early Christian writers saw Shem’s blessing as prophetic of Christ’s priesthood.

Strong’s G4590: Greek form of the Hebrew name שֵׁם (Shem), meaning “name” or “renown.” Noah’s firstborn son and ancestor of the Semitic peoples, through whom the Messianic line continued. His inclusion in Luke’s genealogy emphasizes Jesus’ connection to God’s covenant promises.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: Shem, genealogy, Luke’s Gospel, Noah’s sons, messianic line, biblical names, Hebrew names, Genesis, flood survivors, Jesus’ ancestry, covenant promises, Semitic peoples​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​