Names in the Bible: Hamor

Hamor the Hivite was the ruler of Shechem (2 km west of modern Nablus, West Bank).  He was the father of Shechem, who raped Dinah, a daughter of Jacob.  Dinah's brothers, Simeon and Levi, killed both Hamor and Shechem (and all the males in the town) in revenge. (Genesis 34: 1-31)


Being named for a donkey/ass would not today be considered to be a compliment in most cultures, but in ancient Palestine, the ass or donkey was considered to be very valuable.  Also, the donkey was considered to be very strong and reliable.


"And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses. (חֲמֹרִים  "hamorim," the plural of "hamor") Genesis 30:43