The meanings of Hebrew names can almost tell the whole story by themselves. They show how the allegory is assembled. For example: Samson means “the light” and Jesus is “the Light of men.” His father’s name is Manoah which means “peace or rest” and God provided peace between Him and us through the death of His Son. Delilah means “one who is heavily burdened” and Jesus said “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened.”
As you read through the various sections on Samson, you might want to use this list of meanings to help put the story together.
Samson
Means: Sunlight
Represents: Jesus
Manoah
Means: Peace or rest
Represents: God the Father
Zorah
Means: Sting, like that of a wasp
Represents: Death
Dan
Means: To judge or to follow a straight course
Represents: One of Jesus’ functions
Nazerite
Means: Separate or holy
Represents: Jesus is holy
Philistine
Means: To roll in the dust
Represents: Like Satan who was to crawl
Eshtaol
Means: Demands or requirements
Represents: The Law which demands obedience
Timnah
Means: Allotted or predetermined place, reckoning
Represents: The cross was predetermined to reconcile mankind
Mahaneh
Means: Encampment
Represents: Where Jesus dwelled
Ashkelon
Means: Weighing place for determining value
Represents: Judgment
Etam
Means: Place where birds prey
Represents: Place of punishment
Gaza
Means: Fierce (enemy)
Represents: The enemy of our souls - Satan
Hebron
Means: Place of meeting
Represents: Where God is met
Delilah
Means: Oppressed or heavy burdened
Represents: The broken soul
Sorak
Means: Shame
Represents: Realization of sinfulness