Original Word: סָמַר
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: camar
Pronunciation: sah-MAHR
Phonetic Spelling: (saw-mar')
Definition: To bristle, to stand on end
Meaning: to be erect, bristle as hair

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Greek equivalent in the Strong's Concordance, the concept of fear or awe can be related to Greek terms such as φόβος (phobos, Strong's G5401), which means fear or reverence.

Usage: The Hebrew verb "samar" primarily conveys the idea of something standing on end or bristling. It is often used to describe a physical reaction to fear or awe, such as hair standing on end. This term captures a vivid, visceral response to an overwhelming experience or emotion.

Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Hebrew culture, physical expressions of emotion were significant and often used to convey deeper spiritual or emotional states. The reaction of hair standing on end, as described by "samar," would have been understood as a natural response to encountering the divine or experiencing profound fear. This reflects the Hebrew worldview, where the physical and spiritual realms are closely intertwined.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to bristle up
NASB Translation
bristled (1), trembles (1).

סָמַר verb bristle up (Lag^{BN 106} compare Arabic contract; in that case ׳ס for ׳שׂ); —

Qal Perfect3masculine singular מִמַּחְדְּךָ בְשָׂרִי ׳ס Psalm 119:20 from fear of thee did my flesh bristle up, 'creep.'

Pi`el Imperfect תְּסַמֵּר שַׂעֲרַת בְּשָׂרִי Job 4:15.

stand up, tremble

A primitive root; to be erect, i.e. Bristle as hair -- stand up, tremble.

סָמַ֣ר סמר תְּ֝סַמֵּ֗ר תסמר sā·mar saMar sāmar tə·sam·mêr tesamMer təsammêrInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts