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שִׂיאֹן

𐤔𐤉𐤀𐤍

Sion

H7865 noun

SILEX Entry

Root שיא to be high, to be raised, to be outstanding

Definition

A high point or lofty peak, specifically used as a geographic designation for the summit or prominent region of Mount Hermon. The term refers to a notable elevation, often with the nuance of a distinguished or outstanding place among surrounding terrain.

Semantic Range

peak, high point, summit (specifically of Mount Hermon); proper name for a geographic elevation

Root / Etymology

The term שִׂיאֹן (Si'on) is derived from the root שִׂיא (si'), meaning 'height, elevation, peak.' The word is a toponym constructed from this noun, indicating a prominent or heightened geographical feature.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, שִׂיאֹן appears in Deuteronomy 4:48, designating a specific peak (the summit or upper slopes of Mount Hermon) in the northern Transjordan region. Its use is restricted to geographic contexts and does not bear metaphorical or religious significance in the Israelite tradition, in contrast to the unrelated but similarly spelled צִיּוֹן (Tziyon, Zion), which refers to Jerusalem. Standard English translations often render Sîyʼôn as 'Sion,' but this practice can confuse modern readers by conflating it with 'Zion.' The contextual evidence suggests Sîyʼôn was a recognized local place name during the period of Israelite settlement and territorial description, with its meaning restricted to the literal 'summit' of Hermon rather than any symbolic or cultic significance. The term is not otherwise attested as a general word for 'peak' outside of this toponymic reference.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from שִׂיא; peak; Sion, the summit of Mount Hermon; Sion.

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Root Family

שיא (ś-y-ʾ) — height, elevation, loftiness, outstanding prominence

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H7865-01 שִׂיאֹ֖ן sion HNp Sion Si'on the Lofty Peak 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H7865-01 Deuteronomy 4:48 שִׂיאֹ֖ן sion HNp Sion Si'on the Lofty Peak
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