The REAL (Biblical) Meaning of Savannah? - Origin, History & Stories
The REAL (Biblical) Meaning of Savannah? - Origin, History & Stories
When you hear the word Savannah you may think about a large grassy plain, the massive flat fields of Africa, Native Americans, or the name of a city.
Savannah is not just the description of natural landscapes or the name of a place. It's a female name that represents natural beauty and abundance.
The origin of the name Savannah stems from the Spanish word sabana and was borrowed from the Taino word zabana which means sheet.
The name Savannah means open plain and represents abundance.
In recent years the name Savannah has become a popular choice in the United States and has been one of the top fifty names for girls from 2000-2019.
If you are looking for a unique name for your child or another family member then you are in the right place.
This article will explore the Hebrew, biblical, and spiritual meaning of the name Savannah while also sharing Bible verses and stories that relate to this beautiful name.
What does Savannah mean in Hebrew?
Though Savannah is not a name of Hebrew origin the name does have a Hebrew variation.
Sava is a male name that means abundance, rich harvest, or seven. In other circumstances the name means elder, grandfather, old man, or great-grandfather.
The origins of Savannah in the Bible
Though it is not a biblical name, the origin of Savannah may be traced using the name definition.
Bible verses with the words plain and grassland will indicate that the origins of Savannah points to the creation story.
According to Genesis chapter one, plains and grasslands were formed on the third day of creation.
“And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. 10 God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:9-10 NIV)
Seven, a Hebrew Savannah name meaning, is also a feature of the creation story as it took the Lord seven days to make the heavens and the earth.
One of the earliest mentions of a plain in the Bible was after the flood when the people saw the Plain of Shinar and decided to build a city and a tower going up into heaven.
“As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there.” (Genesis 11:2 NIV)
The biblical meaning of Savannah
Vastness, abundance, and blessed are some words that capture the biblical meaning of the name Savannah.
Vastness
When the Lord showed Moses the promised land, he gave him a view of the vastness of the blessings He had in store for the children of Israel and proof of His unending love.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39 NIV)
Though the children of Israel complained for various reasons, the love that God had for them was like an unending savannah.
Savannah is a lovely nature name to use as a first name for your daughter as it represents the beauty of creation and the vastness of God's love.
Abundance
In the Bible, plains not only have historic significance but represent abundance.
When Lot and his uncle agreed to go separate ways in order to care for their herds, Lot chose the plain of the Jordan because of its abundance.
“Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt.” (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) (Genesis 13:10 NIV)
Psalm sixty-five also expresses that, grasslands overflowed with abundance because of the Lord's blessings.
“You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. 12 The grasslands of the wilderness overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness.” (Psalm 65:11-12 NIV)
If you need a Christian name that will add meaning to your child's life then Savannah is a great girl's name that represents abundance.
Blessed
In Genesis chapter twenty-seven Jacob received special blessings from his father.
“May God give you heaven’s dew and earth’s richness—an abundance of grain and new wine. 29 May nations serve you and peoples bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed and those who bless you be blessed.” (Genesis 27:28-29 NIV)
Savannah is one of those baby girl names that you may use to affirm and bless your child.
Each time you say this baby name you will infuse positivity and blessings in her life.
The spiritual meaning of Savannah
If you are on the lookout for first or middle names with strong spiritual meanings then Savannah is the perfect name.
This classic name represents prosperity, natural beauty, and tranquility.
Prosperity
In Numbers thirty-two, two and a half tribes asked permission for their inheritance in Jazer and Gilead because these areas were fertile and would ensure that their flocks and herds prospered.
Savannah is a fitting baby name because it represents fertility and prosperity.
Each time you use this name you will be affirming your child and praying for prosperity in her life.
Natural beauty
A savannah does not get its beauty from buildings and other manmade features but the natural formation of the landscape.
It's a space that allows living things such as plants and animals to thrive.
Savannah is a lovely name because it represents natural beauty.
She is the kind of person who values her inner beauty and attracts others with her sense of warmth and gentle spirit.
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:3-4 NIV)
Tranquility
The Christian pathway has different types of terrain and each has specific meanings.
Mountains and hills may represent obstacles and trials while plains may represent a phase of tranquility and happiness on a spiritual journey.
In Psalm twenty-three, green pastures represented a tranquil place of rest while valleys were places of darkness and death.
By naming your child Savannah you will invoke the spiritual meaning of this name and introduce peace and tranquility in her life.
What Bible verses contain Savannah?
If you read Song of Solomon chapter three in the Voice translation you will see the word savannah being used in reference to the gazelle.
So yes, the name of Savannah may be found in the Bible.
Here are some other texts that make reference to plains and flat lands.
“Joseph collected all the food produced in those seven years of abundance in Egypt and stored it in the cities. In each city he put the food grown in the fields surrounding it.” (Genesis 41:48 NIV)
“Then the Israelites traveled to the plains of Moab and camped along the Jordan across from Jericho.” (Numbers 22:1 NIV)
“On the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho the Lord said to Moses,” (Numbers 33:50 NIV)
“He also built towers in the wilderness and dug many cisterns, because he had much livestock in the foothills and in the plain. He had people working his fields and vineyards in the hills and in the fertile lands, for he loved the soil.” (2 Chronicles 26:10 NIV)
“Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.” (Isaiah 40:4 NIV)
“The hand of the Lord was on me there, and he said to me, “Get up and go out to the plain, and there I will speak to you.” (Ezekiel 3:22 NIV)
Stories about Savannah in the Bible
The seven years of abundance in Egypt, the tower of Babel in the plain of Shinar, and Lot choosing the Plain of Jordan to raise his herd are some stories in the Bible that feature the meaning of the name Savannah.
Final thought
The name Savannah is of Taino and Spanish origin and is a beautiful Christian girl name to give your child or another family member.
Vastness, abundance, and blessed are some of the biblical meanings of this name while prosperity, natural beauty, and tranquility represent the spiritual meanings of this name.
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