### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Shimshôwn**, represented by `{{H8123}}`, is derived from a word meaning **sunlight**. It appears 38 times in 37 verses, identifying the Israelite judge known as Samson.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
**Shimshôwn** `{{H8123}}` is introduced at his birth, where he is named and blessed by the LORD [[Judges 13:24]]. The narrative follows his life, marked by conflicts with the Philistines. He desires to take a wife from among the Philistines in Timnath [[Judges 14:1]], against the counsel of his father and mother [[Judges 14:3]]. His story includes feats of strength, such as slaying a thousand men with the jawbone of an ass [[Judges 15:16]], and moral failings, such as going to a harlot in Gaza [[Judges 16:1]]. A central conflict involves Delilah, who seeks the secret of his great strength [[Judges 16:6]]. Ultimately, after his strength leaves him because the LORD had departed from him [[Judges 16:20]], he is captured. In his final act, he calls on God to strengthen him one last time to be avenged on the Philistines [[Judges 16:28]], causing the house to fall and killing more people in his death than in his life [[Judges 16:30]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several key words are central to the story of **Shimshôwn**:
* `{{H6430}}` **Pᵉlishtîy** (Philistine): This identifies the **Philistine** people, who are Samson's primary adversaries throughout his life. His conflicts with them form the basis of the narrative [[Judges 15:11]].
* `{{H1807}}` **Dᵉlîylâh** (Delilah): Meaning **languishing**, this is the name of the Philistine woman whom Samson loved. She is instrumental in discovering the secret to his strength [[Judges 16:6]].
* `{{H3581}}` **kôach** (strength): This word, meaning **vigor** or **force**, describes Samson's extraordinary physical power. Delilah repeatedly asks Samson wherein his great **strength** lies [[Judges 16:6]].
* `{{H1712}}` **Dâgôwn** (Dagon): The **fish-god** of the Philistines. It is in the house dedicated to **Dagon** that the Philistine lords gather to celebrate their capture of Samson [[Judges 16:23]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative of `{{H8123}}` carries significant theological weight, illustrating several key themes.
* **Divine Empowerment and Departure:** Samson's life begins with a blessing from the LORD [[Judges 13:24]]. His incredible strength `{{H3581}}` is not his own, but a divine gift that departs when the LORD leaves him [[Judges 16:20]], showing that true power originates from God.
* **Conflict and Vengeance:** The story is defined by the ongoing conflict between Samson and the Philistines `{{H6430}}`. Samson's final prayer is a cry to God for the strength to be avenged `{{H5358}}` upon them [[Judges 16:28]], culminating in a final act of divine judgment against Israel's enemies.
* **Human Weakness and Final Purpose:** Despite his calling, Samson makes choices that lead to his downfall, from taking a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines [[Judges 14:3]] to being deceived by Delilah `{{H1807}}` [[Judges 16:10]]. Yet, in his death, he fulfills a greater purpose, slaying more of his enemies than he did in his life [[Judges 16:30]].
### Summary
In summary, **Shimshôwn** `{{H8123}}` is more than just a name; it represents a complex figure whose life embodies the themes of divine strength, human weakness, and God's sovereignty. From his blessed birth to his tragic death, Samson's story serves as a powerful narrative about how God can use even a flawed individual to enact His will against the enemies of His people. The name is inextricably linked to the Philistines, Delilah, and the ultimate source of his power: the LORD.
TRV