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אוֹמָר

𐤀𐤅𐤌𐤓

Omar

H201 noun

SILEX Entry

Root אמר to say, speak

Definition

Proper name: Omar, identified as a grandson of Esau and an early Edomite chieftain. The name's lexical function is that of a personal name, rather than a descriptive term. It appears within genealogical lists relating to the Edomite peoples. The etymological connection to the root meaning 'to speak, say' is uncertain and, if present, does not carry any intrinsic connotation about the character's attributes within the biblical narrative.

Semantic Range

Omar (proper name), name of an Edomite leader; does not carry a descriptive meaning in context

Root / Etymology

The name likely derives from the root אָמַר (ʾmr), meaning 'to say, speak,' but it functions as a proper noun and does not retain a verbal sense. Its formation as a personal name is typical of ancient Semitic naming conventions, using a verbal root as the base. The connection of the name to the root is formally probable, but the exact semantic motivation is unclear; therefore, the etymology is considered probable but not certain as to meaning.

Historical & Contextual Notes

אוֹמָר is attested only as a personal name, specifically as a descendant of Esau in genealogies of Edomite clans (Genesis 36:11, 15, 42; 1 Chronicles 1:36). The name appears during the early Iron Age context of Edom. There is no evidence that the biblical authors intended or perceived a connection between the name and the notion of being 'talkative' or a 'speaker'; such interpretations likely arise from folk etymology based on the root אָמַר (to speak). English translations consistently render אוֹמָר phonetically as 'Omar,' without supplying a descriptive gloss, reflecting its status as a personal name. The word does not appear outside genealogical contexts in the Hebrew Bible, and later religious or ethnic associations (such as the usage of 'Jew') are not applicable in the context of Edomite genealogy.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from אָמַר; talkative; Omar, a grandson of Esau; Omar.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

אמר (ʾ-m-r) — to say, speak

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H3982 מַאֲמַר authoritative declaration of
H3983 מֵאמַר according to decree-of
H534 אָמִיר prominent summit
H559 אָמַר he said
H560 אֲמַר he said

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H201-01 אוֹמָ֔ר omar HNp Omar Omar 2
H201-02 וְ/אוֹמָר֙ veomar HC/Np and Omar and Omar 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H201-01 Genesis 36:11 אוֹמָ֔ר omar HNp Omar Omar
H201-01 Genesis 36:15 אוֹמָ֔ר omar HNp Omar Omar
H201-02 1 Chronicles 1:36 וְ/אוֹמָר֙ veomar HC/Np and Omar and Omar
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