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
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