הַרְמוֹן (har.mon)
har.mon
Harmon
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun har·mōn appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Amos 4:3. It is translated as "Harmon" or described as a "high fortress." The text describes a scene of judgment where the trapped people will be cast into this location, suggesting it serves as a place of confinement or destruction rather than safety.
Lexical sources note that the meaning of the word is uncertain and the textual tradition may be corrupt. Because it occurs in such a limited context, scholars rely on the surrounding imagery of siege and capture to understand its function. It likely denotes a specific fortified site, though its exact geographical identity remains debated among historians.
This rare usage highlights the finality of the prophetic warning in Amos. The word itself carries no additional theological weight beyond its role as a concrete setting for disaster. Its scarcity in Scripture means it functions primarily as a historical marker within the narrative of Israel’s judgment, rather than as a term with broader doctrinal significance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Harmon appears only once in Scripture, in Amos 4:3. It describes a place of confinement during judgment. This rare occurrence reminds us that God’s warnings are serious and specific. The text speaks of being cast into this location, highlighting the reality of consequences for turning away from faith.
While we may not know exactly where Harmon was located, its presence in the Bible shows that history is under God’s control. For believers today, this passage encourages vigilance. It calls us to remain steadfast in our relationship with God, knowing that He is both just and faithful. We can trust in His guidance even when the path feels uncertain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ Harmon/ towards1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/הַרְמ֖וֹנָ/ה1×
Key Verses
-
Amos 4:3
You will go out at the breaks in the wall, everyone straight before her; and you will cast yourselves into Harmon,” says Yahweh.
This verse uses Harmon to depict a specific place of confinement during judgment, emphasizing the finality of the prophetic warning.