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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for uncovering the depth of the original text. The Greek word Θαμάρ (Thamar) is particularly significant as it represents a notable figure in both the Old and New Testaments. This name appears in the genealogies of Jesus in the Gospels, making it important for understanding both the continuity of the biblical narrative and the significance of individual figures in ancient Hebrew and Greek cultures.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: Θαμάρ (Thamar), pronounced [tha-MAR].
- Etymology: The name Θαμάρ is of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew word תָּמָר (Tamar), meaning “palm tree,” which is a symbol of beauty and grace in ancient Hebrew culture.
- Part of Speech: Proper noun (name). It does not have a declension since it is a name, but it is used in the nominative form in biblical Greek.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Thamar: A proper noun referring to a woman named Tamar, significant in biblical genealogy.
Similar Words: Tamar (תָּמָר) in Hebrew carries the same meaning, referring to a “palm tree” and symbolizing grace and stature. Another related Greek word, Φοῖνιξ (Phoinix), also means “palm tree” but is used more commonly to refer to the tree itself rather than a personal name.
Further Insights: Θαμάρ (Thamar) is a transliteration of the Hebrew name תָּמָר. The name is unique in the New Testament as it appears in the genealogical record of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:3). It reflects the Greek practice of transliterating Hebrew names rather than translating their meanings directly.
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Θαμάρ (Thamar) is identified as a proper name referring to a female figure in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. BDAG notes that the name carries the connotation of the Hebrew “Tamar,” which means “palm tree.”
Thayers: Thayer’s Lexicon confirms that Θαμάρ (Thamar) is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Tamar. It highlights her role in the genealogy of Jesus as mentioned in the New Testament, underscoring the continuity between the Old Testament and the Gospels.
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Vines: Vine’s Expository Dictionary notes the historical and genealogical significance of Θαμάρ (Thamar), particularly in the context of the lineage of Christ. It emphasizes the importance of the name’s Hebrew origins and its implications for the genealogy presented in the Gospels.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon provides a brief entry on Θαμάρ (Thamar) as a proper noun and indicates its Hebrew roots. It notes that the name’s translation into Greek maintains its original sound rather than its meaning.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance identifies Θαμάρ (Thamar) under G2283, stating its Hebrew origin and noting its appearance in the genealogy of Jesus in the New Testament.
Related Scripture References
- Matthew 1:3: “Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar [Θαμάρ], Perez was the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram.”
- Luke 3:33: “the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Josephus | Antiquities | “Tamar (Θαμάρ), a woman of great virtue, whose name lives on in the sacred texts.” |
| Philo | On the Life of Moses | “In the lineage of our forefathers, the name of Tamar (Θαμάρ) is honored for her wisdom.” |
| Septuagint | Genesis (38:6) | “And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar (Θαμάρ).” |
Septuagint Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Moses (Attributed) | Genesis (38:6) | “Judah took a wife for his firstborn son, Er, whose name was Tamar (Θαμάρ).” |
| Moses (Attributed) | Genesis (38:24) | “And it came to pass about three months later that Judah was told, ‘Your daughter-in-law Tamar (Θαμάρ) has played the harlot.'” |
| Moses (Attributed) | 1 Chronicles 2:4 | “Tamar (Θαμάρ), his daughter-in-law, bore him Perez and Zerah.” |
Summary of Θαμάρ (G2283: Thamar)
Θαμάρ (Thamar) is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Tamar, which means “palm tree.” This name appears in the genealogies of Jesus Christ, demonstrating its significance in the biblical narrative and its reflection of the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. In the New Testament, it appears primarily in Matthew 1:3, where it is included in the lineage of Jesus, showcasing the importance of her role. Understanding the use of Θαμάρ (Thamar) helps us appreciate the integration of Hebrew culture within the Greek language of the New Testament and the importance of genealogy in conveying divine purposes.
Did You Know?
- Θαμάρ (Thamar) is one of the few women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, highlighting her unique role in the biblical narrative.
- The name Tamar is also associated with two other significant biblical figures in the Old Testament, further emphasizing its cultural importance.
- In Hebrew culture, the palm tree, represented by the name Tamar, symbolizes beauty, fertility, and righteousness, making it a powerful symbol for a biblical character.
This comprehensive overview of Θαμάρ (Thamar) showcases its vital role in biblical studies and highlights its significance within the larger context of the New Testament and ancient Greek literature.
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