My son’s name is Smyrna. Today, I would like to share with you all its special meaning to me. First, as it is the ancient Greek name for the city of Smyrna which is located in modern-day Izmir, Turkey– said to be located at a strategic point on the Aegean coast of Anatolia. Due to its advantageous port conditions, its ease of defense, and its good inland connections, Smyrna rose to great prominence, and was once one of the most illustrious of all ancient and Hellenistic-era Greek cities. Smyrna was strong, in my song I say “You’re unbreakable”. Smyrna also symbolizes the beauty and prosperity that comes from being in high places. As in my song, I say “The city on-the mount, The city on-high, Smyrna my son, shine to the world” – “A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” Matt. 5:14. Smyrna represents a city on the mount, a symbol of elevation and being on high places. It’s a reminder for me to always strive for beauty and success in my own life and in my son’s life. It also reminds me of the importance of setting high standards and goals for my son, and striving to reach new heights. The city on high shows brightness and radiance. It is also a reminder to me of the importance of raising my son to be a shining light in the world, to be a positive influence and to make a difference. It also symbolizes the ability to overcome darkness and to bring hope to others.
Smyrna also has a biblical meaning: Smyrna (Smyrna means “Myrrh.”) – is an expensive spice, used for making perfume, incense, medicine, and anointing oil products. In my song, you will hear words like Smyrna “Spice of my life”. myrrh was an important trade item obtained from Arabia, Abyssinia, and India – frankincense and myrrh are in then more valuable than Gold. That why in my song, I say, “my diamond” “so precious, So sweet”. Myrrh is precious as in value, Myrrh is sweet, it is referred to as the “Sweet smelling myrrh”, in the Bible as in “The mountains of myrrh” – a symbol of strength and stability. “The most pure myrrh” same words I use in my song. sweet smelling myrrh is a symbol of beauty and purity.
Myrrh was associated with kings in the past, in my song, Smyrna is the “king of my heart” as of “love”. At the birth of Jesus, the two wise men, brought him “gifts of gold, frankincense, and MYRRH.” (Matt. 2:11) My wife MI, and I, dedicates Smyrna to him today. As myrrh is a symbol of the most precious and valuable treasure. It is exactly how we see our son, as the most precious gift in our lives. It’s also a reminder for me to always strive to be a sweet, loving and pure person and to raise my son to be the same. It’s also a symbol of celebration and joy, which is exactly how I feel about being a dad and having my son in my life. As “mountain of myrrh” – I am reminded of the importance of building a strong foundation for my son, both emotionally and physically. It also symbolizes the richness and abundance that comes from hard work and perseverance.
In the Bible, Smyrna is pictured also as one of the seven churches of Asia in the book of Revelation. This meaning symbolizes endurance and faith in the face of persecution. Their suffering and sacrifice to God is sweet like myrrh, and if they overcome, he promised them a crown of life. To me, the name Smyrna represents strength, resilience and the ability to overcome challenges. It’s a symbol of purity, holiness and spiritual transformation. It’s a reminder for me to always strive for spiritual growth and to raise my son to be a person of strong faith and character.
Lastly, I learned that in Saudi Arabia: The name Smyrna means “External life”. We thank God for the gift of life.
