שְׁנִינָה
𐤔𐤍𐤉𐤍𐤄
shᵉnîynâh
H8148 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A sharp taunt or scornful remark; byword or object of derision. The term denotes a phrase, expression, or saying used to ridicule, mock, or to symbolize shame in reference to an individual, group, or nation. It often carries the sense of a proverb or mocking refrain directed at the misfortune or disgrace of others.
Semantic Range
taunt, sharp remark, gibe, byword of contempt, mocking proverb, object of ridicule, scornful saying
Root / Etymology
From the root שׁנן (sh-n-n), meaning 'to sharpen, point, or repeat.' שְׁנִינָה is a nominal form derived from this root, with the idea of something 'pointed,' figuratively extended to designate sharp, biting speech—specifically, a taunt or mocking proverb. Root and derived meaning are metaphorically related, as the root's sense of 'sharpening' is applied to cutting speech.
Historical & Contextual Notes
שְׁנִינָה appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., Deut 28:37, 1 Kgs 9:7, Jer 24:9, Ezek 5:15). Across these contexts, it specifically describes Israel or Judah becoming a subject of contempt or ridicule among surrounding peoples, frequently associated with themes of exile, defeat, or national calamity. The nuance is stronger than that of a general 'byword' (often the rendering in English Bibles), as it connotes cutting mockery rather than simply being referenced. The term overlaps in meaning with similar Hebrew words for ridicule (e.g., מָשָׁל mashal 'proverb,' חֶרְפָּה cherpah 'reproach'), but שְׁנִינָה emphasizes the sharpness or pointed nature of the scorn. Later English translations sometimes render it as 'proverb,' 'byword,' or 'taunt,' but these may understate the intensity of hostility and derision the term implies. In ancient Israelite society and literature, becoming a שְׁנִינָה signified deep humiliation or loss of honor, particularly at the hands of foreign peoples.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from שָׁנַן; something pointed, i.e. a gibe; byword, taunt.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שנן (sh-n-n) — to sharpen, to point, to repeat
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8148-02 |
וְ/לִ/שְׁנִינָ֑ה | velisheninah | HC/R/Ncfsa |
and a byword | sharp taunt | 3 |
H8148-01 |
לִ/שְׁנִינָ֣ה | lisheninah | HR/Ncfsa |
for-taunt | sharpened taunt | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8148-02 |
Deuteronomy 28:37 | וְ/לִ/שְׁנִינָ֑ה | velisheninah | HC/R/Ncfsa |
and a byword | sharp taunt |
H8148-02 |
1 Kings 9:7 | וְ/לִ/שְׁנִינָ֖ה | velisheninah | HC/R/Ncfsa |
and a byword | sharp taunt |
H8148-01 |
Jeremiah 24:9 | לִ/שְׁנִינָ֣ה | lisheninah | HR/Ncfsa |
for-taunt | sharpened taunt |
H8148-02 |
2 Chronicles 7:20 | וְ/לִ/שְׁנִינָ֖ה | velisheninah | HC/R/Ncfsa |
and a byword | sharp taunt |