רֶסֶן
𐤓𐤎𐤍
Resen
H7449 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Resen — a proper noun designating a city in northern Mesopotamia, mentioned in the early genealogical narratives of Genesis. In its biblical context, it refers specifically to a settlement built by Asshur (or Nimrod), located between Nineveh and Calah. The name itself does not connote any specific quality or feature other than functioning as an ancient place-name within the narrative framework.
Semantic Range
proper name of a city in northern Mesopotamia; potentially related via form to 'bridle,' but distinct in use; not attested as a common noun in this sense
Root / Etymology
From the Hebrew root רסן, which means 'bridle' or 'restraint.' However, as a place-name, the etymology is uncertain; the naming may reflect a foreign origin or may be related only linguistically, not semantically, to the Hebrew root. It likely preserves an ancient toponym transmitted through Israelite tradition, adapted into the Hebrew script and phonology.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Genesis 10:12 is the only context in which this name appears, as part of the list of primeval cities traditionally attributed to early descendants of Noah. The Hebrew text places Resen between the more prominently known cities of Nineveh and Calah, both significant urban centers in Assyria. Later historical or archaeological evidence for a city named Resen is uncertain or lacking. The use of the same spelling as the common noun 'bridle' (רֶסֶן) is coincidental; the place-name is probably not directly related in meaning or concept. English translations universally preserve the proper name as 'Resen,' though some marginal notes refer to possible connections with Assyrian or Akkadian toponyms.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
the same as רֶסֶן; Resen, a place in Assyrian; Resen.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רסן (r-s-n) — bridle, restraint, control
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H7448 | רֶסֶן | his bridle |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7449-01 |
רֶ֔סֶן | resen | HNp |
Resen | Resen | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7449-01 |
Genesis 10:12 | רֶ֔סֶן | resen | HNp |
Resen | Resen |