Brief Overview of Σαμψών (Strong’s G4546: Sampsōn)

Strong’s G4546: From Hebrew שִׁמְשׁוֹן (Shimshon), meaning “like the sun” or “sunlight.” A judge of Israel listed in Hebrews’ hall of faith, representing God’s power working through human weakness and exemplifying redemption through sacrificial death.

U- Unveiling the Word

The name Σαμψών appears in Hebrews 11:32 within the catalog of faith heroes. Despite his flaws, Samson’s inclusion demonstrates God’s grace working through imperfect vessels. Early church fathers saw in him a type of Christ, particularly in his sacrificial death that brought victory over enemies. Today, Σαμψών reminds us that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness and that He can use flawed individuals for His redemptive purposes.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σαμψών, Sampsōn, /samp-sone’/
• Pronunciation Guide: “samp” (like ‘stamp’ without ‘t’), “sone” (like ‘zone’)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• From Hebrew שִׁמְשׁוֹן (Shimshon)
• Root: שֶׁמֶשׁ (shemesh) – sun
• Diminutive suffix: -וֹן (-on)
• Combined meaning: sunlike one/little sun

D – Defining Meanings

• Like the sun
• Sunlight
• Strong one
• Bright one

For compound words:
Not a compound word – derived from Hebrew root with diminutive suffix

Translation Options:

• “Samson” – traditional transliteration
• “Sun-like” – meaning-based translation
• “Sunny one” – literal meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κριτής (kritēs) /kree-tace’/ – judge See G2923 – his role
• ἰσχυρός (ischyros) /is-khoo-ros’/ – strong See G2478 – his characteristic
• ναζιραῖος (naziraios) /nad-zi-rah’-yos/ – Nazirite See G3480 – his dedication

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 his role as judge. Thayer’s connects to Hebrew etymology. LSJ notes Greek form of Hebrew name. Vine’s highlights faith aspect. Strong’s traces sun connection. LEH documents Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show early Christian interpretations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets (Hebrews 11:32)

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The name Σαμψών powerfully illustrates how King Jesus uses flawed vessels for His glory. Through faith, Samson’s greatest victory came in his death, foreshadowing Christ’s ultimate sacrificial victory. This proclaims the good news that God’s strength works through human weakness to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

D – Did You Know?

1. His name’s connection to “sun” may relate to his fiery exploits.
2. Early Christians saw his death as prefiguring Christ’s sacrificial victory.
3. He is the only major judge specifically named in the New Testament.

Strong’s G4546: From Hebrew שִׁמְשׁוֹן (Shimshon), meaning “like the sun” or “sunlight.” A judge of Israel listed in Hebrews’ hall of faith, representing God’s power working through human weakness and exemplifying redemption through sacrificial death.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: Samson, judges, faith, strength, weakness, Hebrews, Hebrew names, redemption, sacrifice, victory​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​