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Samekh is the fifteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and holds significant importance in biblical literature and Jewish tradition. In the Hebrew language, Samekh is represented by the symbol ס and has a numerical value of 60. Its phonetic sound is similar to the English "s."

Biblical Significance

Samekh appears in various contexts within the Hebrew Bible, often as an acrostic element in poetic and wisdom literature. One of the most notable uses of Samekh is inPsalm 119, an acrostic psalm where each section begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The section corresponding to Samekh (Psalm 119:113-120) emphasizes themes of support, protection, and reliance on God's law. The Berean Standard Bible translates these verses as follows:

> "I hate the double-minded, but Your law I love. You are my hiding place and my shield; I put my hope in Your word. Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may obey the commandments of my God. Sustain me as You promised, that I may live; let me not be ashamed of my hope. Uphold me, and I will be delivered, that I may always regard Your statutes. You reject all who stray from Your statutes, for their deceitfulness is in vain. All the wicked on earth You discard like dross; therefore, I love Your testimonies. My flesh trembles in awe of You; I stand in fear of Your judgments." (Psalm 119:113-120)

Symbolic Meaning

In Jewish tradition, Samekh is often associated with the concept of support and protection. The circular shape of the letter is seen as a symbol of God's encompassing support and the idea of being upheld by divine strength. This symbolism is reflected in the psalmist's plea for God to sustain and uphold him, as seen inPsalm 119.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Samekh represents the believer's reliance on God's word and commandments as a source of strength and guidance. The psalmist's declaration of love for God's law and his request for divine support underscore the importance of faithfulness and obedience in the life of a believer. The rejection of the double-minded and evildoers further highlights the call to purity and devotion to God's statutes.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the broader cultural and historical context, the Hebrew alphabet, including the letter Samekh, played a crucial role in the transmission of biblical texts and Jewish education. The use of acrostic structures in Hebrew poetry served as a mnemonic device, aiding in the memorization and oral transmission of scripture.

Samekh's numerical value of 60 also holds significance in various Jewish traditions and interpretations, often associated with completeness and support, further reinforcing its symbolic meaning.

Conclusion

While Samekh may seem like a simple letter, its presence in the Hebrew Bible and its associated symbolism offer profound insights into the themes of divine support, the importance of God's law, and the believer's reliance on the Almighty. Through its use in scripture, Samekh continues to inspire and instruct those who seek to understand the depth of God's word and His sustaining power.

Transcriber's Note
... Alef = a Lahmed = l Bet = b Mem = m (final = M) Gimel = g Nun = n (final = N) Dalet =
dSamekh = s He = h Ahyin = i Vav = v Peh = p (final = P) Zayin = z Tsadi...

After the Scripture.
... Dalet hataf qamats Lamed segolSamekh sheva Kaf hiriq Bet dagesh sheva), literally,
"for a' loin to thee." And because the loins are a man's strength, it is...

Footnotes
... 52 {HEBREW LETTER PE}{HEBREW LETTER TAV}{HEBREW LETTER VAV}{HEBREW LETTER BET}{HEBREW
LETTER YOD}{HEBREW LETTERSAMEKH}, translated by the Greek {GREEK SMALL...

Samekh (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version ConcordanceSamekh (1 Occurrence). Psalms 119:113SAMEKH. I hate
them that are of a double mind; But thy law do I love. (ASV)....

Samellius

Samech (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Samech (1 Occurrence). Psalms 119:113SAMEKH. I hate them
that are of a double mind; But thy law do I love. (See JPS BBE DBY WBS YLT)....

Sameius

Acrostic (2 Occurrences)
... In 51:21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27 the letters mem, nun, `ayin, pe, tsadhe, qoph and resh
can be traced at the beginnings of lines in that orderSamekh is absent...

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