Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding the Greek words used in the New Testament provides deeper insights into the text’s meaning and the cultural context of the time. The word Ἐμμόρ (Emmor) is a significant name mentioned in the New Testament, connecting readers to the Old Testament narrative and highlighting the continuity between the two. Emmor is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Hamor, a figure whose story is crucial in understanding the dynamics of relationships and land transactions in the patriarchal narratives of Genesis. This name not only anchors New Testament readers to their Jewish heritage but also serves as a link between different Biblical traditions.

Key Information

• Greek Word: Ἐμμόρ (Emmor) [em-MOR]
• Etymology: This word is a transliteration from the Hebrew name חֲמוֹר (Chamôr), meaning “he-ass” or “donkey,” which was a symbol of strength and endurance in ancient cultures.
• Part of Speech: Proper noun (masculine singular).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Emmor: A proper noun referring to the father of Shechem, a significant figure in the patriarchal narratives of Genesis. He is primarily known for his role in the story of Dinah, where his son Shechem’s actions lead to a tragic series of events.

Similar Words:

• Σέχες (Shechem) [SHE-khem]: The name of Emmor’s son, whose story is closely tied to that of his father. Shechem’s actions are central to the narrative in Genesis 34, which depicts a conflict between the Israelites and the inhabitants of Shechem.
• Χαναάν (Canaan) [KAH-nah-an]: The broader region where Emmor and his family lived, significant as the land promised to Abraham and his descendants.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: As a proper noun, Ἐμμόρ does not follow typical Greek declension patterns but is simply transliterated from Hebrew. It appears in a nominative singular form in the New Testament, specifically in Acts 7:16.
• Linguistic Features: The name Ἐμμόρ is phonetically adapted to Greek while retaining the essence of the original Hebrew pronunciation. The name’s meaning, “donkey,” carries connotations of strength and stubbornness, traits that might reflect the character of the figure in the Biblical narrative.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon identifies Ἐμμόρ as the Greek form of Hamor, the father of Shechem. It notes the figure’s role in the narrative concerning Dinah and the city of Shechem, highlighting its importance in understanding the relationships between the patriarchs and the indigenous people of Canaan.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon describes Ἐμμόρ as a proper noun used to identify the father of Shechem. It connects the usage of the name in the New Testament with its Old Testament background, emphasizing the historical and cultural significance of the figure.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary provides an overview of Ἐμμόρ, noting its Hebrew origin and its appearance in Stephen’s speech in Acts. It discusses the name’s symbolic value and its connection to the broader narrative of Israel’s patriarchs.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon, while more focused on classical Greek, acknowledges Ἐμμόρ as a transliteration of a Hebrew name, primarily known from the Biblical tradition.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance identifies Ἐμμόρ as a transliteration of the Hebrew name Hamor, highlighting its occurrence in Acts 7:16. The concordance connects the name to the Old Testament narrative, where Hamor’s actions have lasting repercussions in the history of Israel.

Scripture References

• Acts 7:16 – “And they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Emmor (Ἐμμόρ) in Shechem.”

Classical Usage

Summary of Ἐμμόρ (G1697: Emmor)

Ἐμμόρ (Emmor) is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Hamor, a figure significant in the patriarchal narratives of the Old Testament. He is best known as the father of Shechem, whose actions precipitate the events of Genesis 34. The use of Ἐμμόρ in the New Testament, specifically in Acts 7:16, serves to connect the early Christian community with their Jewish heritage, emphasizing the continuity of God’s plan through history. Understanding Ἐμμόρ within its Biblical context provides insights into the cultural and theological dynamics at play in both the Old and New Testaments.

Did You Know?

The name Hamor, from which Ἐμμόρ is derived, means “donkey” in Hebrew, a symbol of strength and stubbornness in ancient cultures. This animal was often associated with leadership and endurance, qualities that may have influenced the portrayal of Hamor in the Biblical narrative.