The Aramaic word shum, represented by H8036, is the corresponding term for name. It appears 12 times across 10 unique verses in the Bible. As an appellation, it serves as a mark or memorial of individuality, and by implication, it can also represent a person's honor, authority, and character.
In biblical usage, H8036 is applied to both humans and God. It is used for practical identification, as when officials asked for the names of the men responsible for rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 5:4, Ezra 5:10). The word is also central to the identity of the prophet Daniel, who was given the Babylonian name Belteshazzar Daniel 2:26. This act of renaming is explicitly tied to the name of a Babylonian god Daniel 4:8. The divine name is invoked to represent God's authority and presence, as when prophets spoke "in the name of the God of Israel" Ezra 5:1 or when God caused His name to dwell in the temple Ezra 6:12.
Several related words provide context for the meaning of name:
- H1841 Dânîyêʼl (Daniel): The Hebrew prophet whose identity is often discussed in relation to his name and his Babylonian name, Belteshazzar Daniel 2:26.
- H1096 Bêlṭᵉshaʼtstsar (Belteshazzar): The Babylonian name given to Daniel. This renaming is significant as it was done "according to the name of my god" by the Babylonian king Daniel 4:8.
- H426 ʼĕlâhh (God, god): The name of God is a central theme, representing His character and power. Daniel blesses "the name of God" Daniel 2:20, and prophets speak with authority in His name Ezra 5:1.
- H7761 sûwm ([phrase] name): This verb is used with H8036 to signify the act of naming, as seen when the king named Daniel Belteshazzar Daniel 5:12.
The theological weight of H8036 is significant, particularly in the books of Daniel and Ezra.
- Divine Authority and Presence: The name of God represents His active power. Prophets acted with divine authority when they prophesied "in the name of the God of Israel" Ezra 5:1. Similarly, God's power is invoked to protect His temple, the place where He "caused his name to dwell" Ezra 6:12.
- Identity and Allegiance: A name reflects one's core identity. The act of giving Daniel the name Belteshazzar was an attempt by a foreign king to assert authority and redefine Daniel's allegiance in relation to a pagan deity Daniel 4:8.
- A Focus of Worship: God's name is presented as worthy of eternal praise. Upon receiving divine wisdom, Daniel's first act is to exclaim, "Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever" Daniel 2:20, directly associating the name with God's inherent wisdom and might.
In summary, H8036 is far more than a simple label. It functions as a critical element defining identity, from the practical listing of builders Ezra 5:4 to the complex rebranding of a prophet like Daniel Daniel 4:19. Theologically, it encapsulates the very character, authority, and praiseworthiness of God Himself. The use of shum illustrates how a name conveys the essence and honor of its bearer in the Aramaic portions of Scripture.
TRV