Brief Overview of Σαμουήλ (Strong’s G4545: Samouēl)

Strong’s G4545: From Hebrew שְׁמוּאֵל (Shemuel), meaning “name of God” or “heard by God.” A key prophet and judge in Israel’s history, referenced in the New Testament as part of the prophetic line that foretold Christ’s coming and exemplified faithful leadership.

U- Unveiling the Word

The name Σαμουήλ appears in Acts 3:24 as Peter links the prophetic ministry from Samuel onward to Christ’s fulfillment. Samuel represents the transition from judges to kings and the establishment of prophetic ministry in Israel. Early church fathers saw in Samuel a model of faithful leadership and prophetic witness. Today, Σαμουήλ reminds us how God uses faithful servants to prepare the way for His kingdom purposes.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σαμουήλ, Samouēl, /sam-oo-ale’/
• Pronunciation Guide: “sam” (like ‘sam’), “oo” (like ‘oo’), “ale” (like ‘ale’)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• From Hebrew שְׁמוּאֵל (Shemuel)
• Components: שֵׁם (shem, name) + אֵל (el, God)
• Alternative: שָׁמַע (shama, heard) + אֵל (el, God)
• Combined meaning: name of God/heard by God

D – Defining Meanings

• Name of God
• Heard by God
• God has heard
• God’s name

For compound words:
Hebrew compound transliterated into Greek, combining either “name” or “heard” with “God”

Translation Options:

• “Samuel” – traditional transliteration
• “Name of God” – meaning-based translation
• “Heard by God” – alternative meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προφήτης (prophētēs) /prof-ay’-tace/ – prophet See G4396 – related role
• κριτής (kritēs) /kree-tace’/ – judge See G2923 – similar function
• Μωϋσῆς (Mōusēs) /mo-oo-sace’/ – Moses See G3475 – comparable leader

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a proper noun:

• Indeclinable
• No case changes
• No number changes
• No gender variations

The name remains unchanged in Greek text as it’s a transliteration.

Cross-references:

• No direct derivatives in Greek
• Hebrew root connections

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes Samuel’s prophetic role. Thayer’s highlights his historical significance. LSJ notes the Greek form of the Hebrew name. Vine’s connects his ministry to Christ. Strong’s traces the Hebrew etymology. LEH documents Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show early Christian references.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

And likewise, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and his successors onward, also announced these days. (Acts 3:24)

Additional References:
Acts 13:20
Hebrews 11:32

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The name Σαμουήλ represents faithful service in preparing for King Jesus’s coming. As prophet and judge, Samuel pointed toward the perfect Prophet, Priest, and King. This proclaims the good news that God faithfully prepares His people through dedicated servants who point to Christ’s ultimate fulfillment.

D – Did You Know?

1. Samuel was the last judge and first major prophet in Israel.
2. He established the schools of the prophets.
3. Early Christians saw him as a type of Christ in his triple office of prophet, priest, and judge.

Strong’s G4545: From Hebrew שְׁמוּאֵל (Shemuel), meaning “name of God” or “heard by God.” A key prophet and judge in Israel’s history, referenced in the New Testament as part of the prophetic line that foretold Christ’s coming and exemplified faithful leadership.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: Samuel, prophets, judges, Acts, Hebrews, Hebrew names, leadership, prophecy, faithful service, Old Testament figures​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​