The Greek name Emmór, represented by G1697, identifies a Canaanite individual. It is of Hebrew origin, corresponding to Chamor. This name is exceptionally rare in scripture, appearing just 1 time in 1 unique verse.
The sole appearance of G1697 is within a historical recounting in Acts. The narrative states that the patriarchs were carried over G3346 into Sychem G4966 and laid G5087 in the sepulchre G3418 that Abraham G11 had bought G5608. This purchase was made for a sum of money from the sons G5207 of Emmor, who is identified as the father of Sychem Acts 7:16. The name serves to identify the original Canaanite owners of this significant burial plot.
The context of this single verse connects Emmór G1697 to several key concepts and figures:
- G11 Abraám (Abraham): As the Hebrew patriarch, he is the one who purchased the tomb. His identity is central to the promises of God and the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:1, Galatians 3:16).
- G3418 mnēma (sepulchre): Defined as a memorial or sepulchral monument, this word signifies the importance of a permanent resting place. It is used for the tomb where Jesus was laid Luke 23:53 and the tombs where the demon-possessed man dwelled Mark 5:5.
- G5207 huiós (son): This widely used term for a "son" or descendant establishes the familial link in the transaction with Emmor's family. It is also the primary title for Jesus Christ, the Son of God John 3:16.
- G4966 Sychém (Sychem): This is the name of both the location of the tomb and the son of Emmor, linking the person directly to the place.
The theological weight of this event involving G1697 stems from its place in redemptive history.
- Promise and Possession: The purchase of a sepulchre G3418 from the sons of Emmor by Abraham G11 is an act of faith, securing a physical piece of the land God had promised to him and his descendants for an inheritance Hebrews 11:8.
- Generational Memorial: The tomb serves as a mnēma, a memorial, connecting the patriarchs to the land. This act of being "carried over" G3346 and "laid" G5087 in a purchased tomb emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant through generations Acts 7:16.
- Transaction of Faith: The event highlights a specific transaction, where Abraham G11 bought G5608 the land for a "sum of money" G694. This establishes a legitimate claim that becomes a cornerstone for Israel's connection to the land of promise.
In summary, while Emmór G1697 is a minor figure mentioned only once, his name is tied to a foundational event in the history of the patriarchs. The purchase of his family's land by Abraham G11 for a tomb in Sychem G4966 is not merely a historical footnote; it is an act that substantiates God's promises, establishes a physical heritage in the promised land, and serves as an enduring memorial to the faith of Israel's ancestors.
TRV