Biblical Hebrew Forum

[lascelles James <lasgbjames AT gmail.com>]

Dear List Members:

Thanks to your very enlightening responses by way of discussion including differences of opinion  I now have a much better approach to understanding the meaning of the name Abraham. Some sources including the Online Etymology Dictionary http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=abraham&searchmode=none

indicate that the name Abraham means "father of a multitude," from abh "father" + *raham (cognate with Arabic ruham "multitude"); the name was altered from Abram "high father," from second element ram "high, exalted." 

However, having read your responses I realize that a comparative study of semantic changes in the related semitic languages as well as dialects should yield fruit in regard to this shem (name).

todah

Lascelles James