Σαμψών
Sampsṓn
G4546 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Proper name: Samson; personal name of a prominent figure from ancient Israelite tradition. Refers specifically to an individual known for extraordinary physical strength and narrative association with the era of the Judges. In the New Testament and Septuagint contexts, the name functions as a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name ׁשִׁמְשׁוֹן (Shimshon), carrying no further semantic development beyond serving as a personal designation.
Semantic Range
personal name for the ancient Israelite figure Samson; serves solely as a proper noun referring to this individual
Root / Etymology
Borrowed directly from Hebrew שִׁמְשׁוֹן (Shimshon), possibly derived from the Hebrew root שמש (shemesh) meaning 'sun', though the etymology and its direct relevance to the narrative figure may be uncertain. Entered Greek through the transliteration process without alteration of form or meaning.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Σαμψών appears as a proper name in the Greek texts—specifically in the Septuagint (e.g., Judges 13–16) and in the New Testament (Hebrews 11:32)—always referring to the same historical-literary figure. The Greek preserves the Hebrew form with minimal phonetic adjustment, and the name does not develop additional significance within Greek-speaking Jewish or early Christian communities beyond reference to the biblical character. In English biblical traditions, the name is usually rendered 'Samson.' There is no evidence in ancient Greek sources of the name being used apart from reference to the Israelite judge. The name signifies more than personal strength; it is closely tied to literary traditions about deliverance and conflict with Philistines. The rendering does not imply any ethnic or religious categorization apart from individual identity in biblical narrative.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of Hebrew origin (שִׁמְשׁוֹן); Sampson (i.e. Shimshon), an Israelite:--Samson.
Root Family
Σαμψών (Sampsōn) — proper name, personal designation
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4546-01 |
Σαμψών | sampson | N GEN M SG |
Samson | of Samson | Sampson | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4546-01 |
Hebrews 11:32 | Σαμψών | sampson | N GEN M SG |
Samson | of Samson | Sampson |