שִׁמְרוֹן מְראוֹן
𐤔𐤌𐤓𐤅𐤍 𐤌𐤓𐤀𐤅𐤍
Shimeron Meron
H8112 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Shimron-Meron refers to a geographical location mentioned in biblical texts, specifically a city or settlement in the land of Canaan. The name likely evokes the sense of 'Shimron (guard/watchplace) of Meron (possibly connected to bitterness, rebellion, or elevation),' combining two distinct elements. The term primarily functions as a toponym (place name) and does not convey independent adjectival or verbal sense beyond that of a proper noun. Contextually, it identifies a place subdued by Joshua in the campaign against northern Canaanite kingdoms (Joshua 12:20).
Semantic Range
proper name of a place, combined toponym (Shimron-Meron), city in Canaan subdued by Israelites, possible meanings of individual elements guard, watch, bitterness, rebellion, elevation
Root / Etymology
Formed from two components: שִׁמְרוֹן (Shimron), rooted in שׁמר (to watch, guard, keep), and מְראוֹן (Meron), likely a derivative of מָרָא/מָרוֹן; מָרָא may mean 'bitterness' or denote 'rebellion,' but as a place name the precise meaning is debated. Etymology of Meron remains uncertain, though some suggest association with 'elevation' or a specific local feature. Thus, the composite name is best understood as a place designation whose individual elements are rooted in Hebrew semantics but whose final meaning is particular to the site itself.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Shimron-Meron appears only in Joshua 12:20, in a list of cities defeated by the Israelite forces under Joshua. Its name combines two toponyms, possibly to distinguish it from other locations named Shimron and Meron, or because it represented a polity encompassing both. In post-biblical periods, Meron is known as a Galilean village, but its identification with the biblical site is uncertain. English translations have often Anglicized the name without explanation of its elements, and the sense 'guard of lashing' derives from a speculative approach to root meanings that may not reflect the original toponymic use. Its mention is confined to conquest narratives, and it does not function as a tribal or regional designation beyond this context. There is no basis for later ethnic or religious terms (e.g., 'Jew'), nor is the site prominent in later Judean or Israelite identity. Comparison to other compound toponyms in the Hebrew Bible suggests the name highlights geographic, political, or social associations from the Late Bronze to Early Iron Age.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from שִׁמְרוֹן and a derivative of מָרָא; guard of lashing; Shimron-Meron, a place in Palestine; Shimon-meron.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שמר, מרן (š-m-r; m-r-n) — to watch, guard, keep; bitterness, rebellion, elevation
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8112-01 |
מְראוֹן֙ | meron | HNp |
Meron | Guard-Height Place | 1 |
H8112-02 |
שִׁמְר֤וֹן | shimeron | HNp |
Shimron | Shimron | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8112-02 |
Joshua 12:20 | שִׁמְר֤וֹן | shimeron | HNp |
Shimron | Shimron |
H8112-01 |
Joshua 12:20 | מְראוֹן֙ | meron | HNp |
Meron | Guard-Height Place |