A solution to the enigma of the name שמשון $IM$ON

For discussions which focus upon specific words, their origin, meaning, relationship to other ANE languages.
Forum rules
Members will observe the rules for respectful discourse at all times!
Please sign all posts with your first and last (family) name.
Post Reply
Isaac Fried
Posts: 1783
Joined: Sat Sep 28, 2013 8:32 pm

A solution to the enigma of the name שמשון $IM$ON

Post by Isaac Fried »

It is certainly not from שמש $EME$, 'sun'.

I think it is the compound איש-מ-איש-און I$-M-I$-ON, or איש-עם-איש-און I$-IM-I$-ON, where one איש is מנוח MANOX, and the other one is איש האלוהים of Judges 13:6. For און ON recall Gen. 49:3
רְאוּבֵן בְּכֹרִי אַתָּה כֹּחִי וְרֵאשִׁית אוֹנִי
KJV: "Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength"

Isaac Fried, Boston University
Isaac Fried
Posts: 1783
Joined: Sat Sep 28, 2013 8:32 pm

Re: A solution to the enigma of the name שמשון $IM$ON

Post by Isaac Fried »

Another possibility being that the first איש is the boy, the second one is איש האלוהים and the ending ON is a contracted הנו HINO, 'he is'.

Isaac Fried, Boston University
Post Reply