Definition and Significance:

Samech (also spelled "Samekh") is the fifteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In the Hebrew language, each letter carries not only phonetic significance but also numerical and symbolic meaning. Samech is represented by the symbol ס and has a numerical value of 60. In the context of biblical literature and Hebrew tradition, each letter is often associated with deeper spiritual and theological insights.

Symbolism and Meaning:

The shape of Samech is circular, which has led to interpretations of it symbolizing support, protection, and the idea of being surrounded or encompassed. This symbolism is often connected to the concept of God's eternal and encompassing support for His people. The circular form can also represent the idea of cycles, continuity, and completeness, reflecting the eternal nature of God and His creation.

Biblical References:

While the letter Samech itself is not directly mentioned in the Bible, it is part of the acrostic structure found in certain passages, most notably in Psalm 119. This psalm is an alphabetic acrostic, with each section corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The section for Samech (Psalm 119:113-120) emphasizes themes of loyalty to God's law and the protection that comes from following His commandments. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage 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."

This passage reflects the protective and sustaining nature of God, which aligns with the symbolic meaning of Samech as a source of support and refuge.

Theological Insights:

In Jewish mysticism and Christian theological reflection, the letter Samech is often associated with divine support and the idea of God as a refuge. The circular form of the letter can be seen as a metaphor for God's encompassing presence and His role as a protector of His people. This aligns with the biblical theme of God as a shield and a fortress, providing safety and security to those who trust in Him.

Applications in Christian Thought:

For Christians, the symbolism of Samech can serve as a reminder of the importance of relying on God's support and protection. It encourages believers to seek refuge in God's word and to trust in His promises. The themes associated with Samech can inspire Christians to live in obedience to God's commandments, knowing that His encompassing presence offers both guidance and security.

In summary, Samech, as a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, carries rich symbolic meaning that resonates with biblical themes of support, protection, and divine presence. Its inclusion in the acrostic structure of Psalm 119 highlights the importance of God's law and the security found in His word.SAMECH

sam'-ek (camekh): The 15th letter of the Hebrew alphabet; transliterated in this Encyclopedia as "c". It came to be used for the number 60. For name, etc., see ALPHABET.

Samech.
... St. Augustin on the Psalms. Samech. 112. "I have hated the unrighteous;
and Thy law have I loved" (ver.113). He saith not, I hate ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/samech.htm

Psalm 119 Samech, the 15Th Part.
... Psalm 119 Samech, The 15th Part. 8,6,8,6. ^113I hate the thoughts of vanity,. but
love thy law do I. ^114My shield and hiding-place thou art: I on thy word rely ...
/.../anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 119 samech the 15th.htm

Exposition on the Book of Psalms
... Gimel. Daleth. He. Vav. Zain. Cheth. Teth. Jod. Caph. Lamed. Mem. Nun. Samech. Ain.
Pe. Tadze. Koph. Resch. Schin. Tau. Psalm CXX. Psalm CXXI. Psalm CXXII. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/

Scottish Psalter and Paraphrases
... Psalm 119 Mem, The 13th Part. Psalm 119 Nun, The 14th Part. Psalm 119 Samech, The
15th Part. Psalm 119 Ain, The 16th Part. Psalm 119 Pe, The 17th Part. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/

On the Opposing Powers.
... Probably the Septuagint and Vulgate had mlvt before them, the similarity between
Samech and Ayin accounting for the error in transcription. ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter ii on the opposing powers.htm

Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of ...
The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers. <. ...
/.../introduction chapter i the life and.htm

Samech (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SAMECH. ... For name, etc., see ALPHABET. Multi-Version
Concordance Samech (1 Occurrence). Psalms 119:113 SAMEKH. ...
/s/samech.htm - 6k

Doubting (13 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Jude 1:22 And have pity on those who are in doubt; (See NAS). Psalms
119:113 <SAMECH> I am a hater of men of doubting mind; but I am a lover of your ...
/d/doubting.htm - 10k

Same (2984 Occurrences)

/s/same.htm - 7k

Sameius

/s/sameius.htm - 6k

Lover (55 Occurrences)
... in Jacob. (See RSV). Psalms 119:113 <SAMECH> I am a hater of men of doubting
mind; but I am a lover of your law. (BBE). Psalms 119 ...
/l/lover.htm - 24k

Hater (72 Occurrences)
... every false way. (BBE). Psalms 119:113 <SAMECH> I am a hater of men of doubting
mind; but I am a lover of your law. (BBE). Psalms 119 ...
/h/hater.htm - 26k

Hated (124 Occurrences)
... hated every false path! (YLT). Psalms 119:113 SAMECH. The double-minded have
I hated; but thy law do I love. (DBY YLT). Psalms 119:128 ...
/h/hated.htm - 36k

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