Does the name of Muhammad appear in the Bible?

Some interpret Song of Solomon 5, verses 10 to 16, as a depiction of Muhammad using hyperbolic language.

What is the comparative religious perspective on the argument regarding the manifestation of the name Muhammad in verse 16, expressed in the plural form as a sign of respect?


The Islamic perspective on the interpretation of Song of Solomon 5, verses 10 to 16, particularly verse 16, as a reference to the Prophet Muhammad stems from the claim that the Hebrew word "מַחֲמַדִּים", found in this verse, is remarkably similar to the name Muhammad.

This word is translated into English as "altogether lovely," "very pleasant," or similar phrases, but some Muslims argue that it should be understood as a direct reference to Muhammad, given the phonetic similarity and the significance of the name.

In Islamic tradition, Muhammad is believed to be the final prophet sent by God to guide humanity, and his coming is interpreted by some Muslims as having been foretold in previous scriptures, including the Bible.

The argument here hinges on the linguistic and phonetic connection between the Hebrew word in the text and the name Muhammad.

Proponents of this view argue that the use of "מַחֲמַדִּים" in the plural form is a stylistic or honorific form in Hebrew, used to convey respect or exaltation, rather than a literal plural.

This is seen as analogous to how Arabic uses certain plural forms to denote honor or respect, rather than quantity.

The verses Song of Solomon 5, verses 10 to 16 read:

Verse 10: My beloved is white and ruddy,
Chief among ten thousand.

Verse 11: His head is like the finest gold;
his locks are wavy,
and black as a raven.

Verse 12: His eyes are like doves
by the rivers of waters,
washed with milk,
and fitly set.

Verse 13: His cheeks are like a bed of spices,
banks of scented herbs.
His lips are lilies,
Dripping liquid myrrh.

Verse 14: His hands are rods of gold
set with beryl.
His body is carved ivory
inlaid with sapphires.

Verse 15: His legs are pillars of marble
set on bases of fine gold.
His countenance is like Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.

Verse 16: His mouth is most sweet,
yes, he is altogether, מַחֲמַדִּים (lovely).

This is my beloved,
and this is my friend,
O daughters of Jerusalem.

The Linguistic Link Between Haggai 2:7 and Muhammad's Night Journey: An Islamic Perspective

It is believed that Haggai 2, verse 7, is a reference to the Night Journey of the Prophet Muhammad to Jerusalem. The word "Desire" in Hebrew is חֶמְדָּה, which has the same root letters as Muhammad in Arabic. How is this argument explained from an Islamic perspective?

This is an interesting question. The argument that Haggai 2, verse 7, is a reference to the Night Journey of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is based on the following points:

The verse says, "And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts." (King James Version)

The word "desire" in Hebrew is חֶמְדָּה, which means something precious, delightful, or desirable.

The word "חֶמְדָּה" is the feminine form of the Hebrew word "חֶמֶד", which means "desirable" or "beloved". Both words share the same root letters (ח מ ד). In Arabic, both the name Muhammad and Ahmad also share these root letters and mean "the praised one." This connection highlights a similarity in meaning between the Hebrew and Arabic words, emphasizing the idea of being beloved or praised. It shows how languages can have common roots and meanings, even across different cultures and religions.

The verse implies that the "desire of all nations" will come to the house of God, which is the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, where the Al-Aqsa Mosque is located.

The Night Journey of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a miraculous event in which he traveled from Makkah to Jerusalem on a winged creature called Buraq, and then ascended to the heavens, where he met Allah and other prophets.


From an Islamic perspective, the argument that Haggai 2, verse 7, is a reference to the Night Journey of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a possible interpretation, but not a definitive proof. It is based on linguistic similarities and historical coincidences, but not on direct evidence or revelation. It is also not a widely accepted or popular view among Muslim scholars or laypeople.


What Hebrew words are derived from the letters ח מ ד?

Here are some Hebrew words derived from the root letters letters ח מ ד.

1.
חָמֵד:
(Hamad) "desirable," "coveted".

2.
חֶמְדָּה:
(Hemdah) "delight," "precious object".

3.
נֶחְמָד:
(Nehmad) “pleasant, nice, desirable”.

4.
מַחְמָד:
(Mahmad) "delight," "desirable thing".

These words all share the root letters ח מ ד, which convey a sense of strong emotion and intense desire. In Hebrew, these words are often used to express a deep longing for something or someone, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual in nature.