Up until Genesis 17, we know the first father as Abram, which literally means a father who is high. In the beginning of this chapter, a covenant is signed between The Lord and Abram, as we read in Genesis 17:4-
“אֲנִי, הִנֵּה בְרִיתִי אִתָּךְ; וְהָיִיתָ, לְאַב הֲמוֹן גּוֹיִם”
“As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be the father of a multitude of nations”.
The covenant wasn’t just a piece of paper that Abraham needed to sign- it was first and foremost a sign that symbolized Abram’s separation from the past and the creation of a new future, with a new essence for him and his descendants. Another interpretation teaches us that the change in Abraham’s name symbolizes his immigrant status in his new land- the promised land. The letter that was added to his name was the letter of The Lord’s name, as we read in Genesis 17:5-
“וְלֹא-יִקָּרֵא עוֹד אֶת-שִׁמְךָ, אַבְרָם; וְהָיָה שִׁמְךָ אַבְרָהָם, כִּי אַב-הֲמוֹן גּוֹיִם נְתַתִּיךָ”
“Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for the father of a multitude of nations have I made thee”.
Rashi gave us a beautiful interpretation, saying that after the change, Abraham is the father of all the nations and not just the father of Aram!
:Main phrases of the post + transcription + translation
|
Hebrew |
Transcription |
Translation |
|
נִתּוּק |
nittûq |
Cutting |
|
גּוֹי |
gôy |
Nation -biblical |
|
שֵׁם |
šēm |
Name |
|
שִׁנּוּי |
šinnûy |
Change |
|
רָם |
rām |
High |
|
אָב |
‘āb |
Father |
|
אַבְרָהָם |
‘ābrāhām |
Abraham |
Sign Up For Updates
Share With Us
Newsletter
Blog
Twitter
Facebook
YouTube
Email
As the name has been broken-down & translated, makes so much more sense! Ab=Abba=Father; Ram=High. As I begin this learning things fall into place with such clarity! Thank you.
today the leccion is very interesting. Thank you
Hi Guys,
I had a dream and the name Jairobi was given to me in the dream, what does the name mean? do you know?please help.
Regards,
Khaya
I really enjoy studies like this where you explain the Hebrew words. So are you saying that since the letter ‘hey’ was added to Avram’s name, and since it is a letter in G_d’s name (the tetragramaton) – what in effect was God saying to Abram when He added this letter to Avram’s name?
Todah!
hi I was fortunate to come cross your Topics in yahoo
your topic is quality
I learn a lot in your topic really thank your very much
btw the theme of you site is really outstanding
where can find it
That was such a beautiful translation, God Bless you all. Can I please be included in your bible studies.