שֵׁם
Shem
Name, reputation, identity
Shem (שֵׁם) is a Hebrew word meaning “name, reputation, identity,” pronounced “SHEM.” Derived from the root שׁ-מ, shem appears 860 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H8034).
| Hebrew | שֵׁם |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Shem |
| Pronunciation | SHEM |
| Meaning | Name, reputation, identity |
| Root Letters | שׁ-מ |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 860× |
| Key Verse | Exodus 3:15 |
| Strong's Number | H8034 |
| Category | Abstract & Philosophical |
In modern culture, names are often chosen for how they sound. In the Hebrew Bible, a name (shem, שֵׁם) is a declaration of identity, destiny, and character. When God names something, He defines its essence. When God changes someone's name — Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel, Simon to Peter — He is rewriting their destiny. The Hebrew shem is so much more than a label; it is the distillation of a person's being. God's own shem is treated with such reverence that devout Jews will not pronounce it, writing 'HaShem' (The Name) instead. The commandment 'You shall not take the name (shem) of the LORD your God in vain' (Exodus 20:7) does not primarily mean avoiding profanity — it means not carrying God's identity lightly. To bear God's shem is to represent His character. Understanding shem changes how you read every naming story, every blessing, and every prayer 'in Jesus' name' in the Bible.
Key Bible Verse: Exodus 3:15
“God also said to Moses, 'Say this to the people of Israel: The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is my name (shem) forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.'”
What Is the Root of Shem in Hebrew?
Shem may come from a root meaning 'to be high, exalted' or 'to mark, identify.' A name in Hebrew elevates and identifies — it places a marker on reality that declares 'this is what this person or thing truly is.'
What Does Shem Mean in the Bible?
Shem appears over 860 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes personal names (Genesis 2:19-20, Adam naming animals), God's Name (Exodus 3:15, the divine Name YHWH), reputation and legacy (Proverbs 22:1, 'A good shem is better than riches'), and memorial/remembrance.
How Is Shem Used in Modern Hebrew?
In Jewish tradition, naming a child is a deeply spiritual act, often honoring deceased relatives (Ashkenazi custom) or living ones (Sephardi custom). The Talmud teaches that parents receive a 'small prophecy' when naming their child — the name shapes destiny.
How to Use Shem in Prayer & Worship
Pray in the shem of Jesus — not as a formula but as a declaration that you represent Him and His authority. Ask God to make your name (your reputation, character, legacy) a reflection of His character in your community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shem
How do you say “Name” in Hebrew?
“Name” in Hebrew is Shem (שֵׁם), pronounced “SHEM.” Shem may come from a root meaning 'to be high, exalted' or 'to mark, identify.' A name in Hebrew elevates and identifies — it places a marker on reality that declares 'this is what this person or thing truly is.'
What does Shem mean in the Bible?
Shem (שֵׁם) means “Name, reputation, identity” in Biblical Hebrew. Shem appears over 860 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes personal names (Genesis 2:19-20, Adam naming animals), God's Name (Exodus 3:15, the divine Name YHWH), reputation and legacy (Proverbs 22:1, 'A good shem is better than riches'), and memorial/remembrance.
How do you pronounce Shem?
Shem is pronounced “SHEM.” The word comes from the Hebrew root שׁ-מ.
Why are names so important in the Bible?
In Hebrew culture, a name (shem) carries identity, destiny, and character. When God named 'Light' in Genesis 1:5, He defined its nature. When He renamed Abram ('exalted father') to Abraham ('father of many'), He declared a new destiny. Biblical names are prophecies — they speak what is or will be true about a person.
What does 'HaShem' mean?
'HaShem' (הַשֵּׁם) literally means 'The Name' and is how observant Jews refer to God without pronouncing His sacred name YHWH. This practice reflects deep reverence for the commandment not to take God's name in vain. In daily conversation, Israeli Jews say 'HaShem' the way English speakers say 'God.'
What does praying 'in Jesus' name' mean?
Praying 'in Jesus' name' (b'shem Yeshua) is not a magic formula but a declaration of authority and identity. In Hebrew thought, acting 'in someone's name' means acting as their authorized representative, with their character and power. To pray in Jesus' name is to pray as His representative, according to His will and character.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H8034: Shem
- Bible Gateway — Exodus 3:15 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for שׁ-מ
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