סִיחוֹן (si.chon)
si.chon
Sihon
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 33 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Sihon refers to the Amorite king who ruled from Heshbon during the Israelites’ journey through the Transjordan. The lexicons trace his name to a root meaning "tempestuous" or "sweeping away," which paints him as a fierce, unstoppable force in the biblical narrative. He is not merely a background figure but a central antagonist whose defeat marks a major turning point in the conquest of the land east of the Jordan.
Scripture records his encounter with Moses in Numbers 21, where he refuses to allow Israel peaceful passage and instead marches out to battle. The text emphasizes that the Lord hardened Sihon’s spirit, ensuring the engagement would take place (Deuteronomy 2:30). This divine intervention underscores a key theological theme: the land is given by God, not won by human diplomacy or military might alone.
Sihon’s defeat is cited repeatedly in later biblical poetry and history as proof of God’s power. Psalms 135 and 136 recall how He struck down Sihon and gave his territory to Israel as an inheritance (Psalm 136:19). The name becomes synonymous with the mighty kings who stood against God’s people, only to be swept aside by His purpose.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Sihon appears in Scripture as a powerful reminder that God’s plans often meet resistance before they are fulfilled. When Israel sought peaceful passage through his territory, King Sihon refused and chose battle. The text notes that the Lord hardened Sihon’s spirit, ensuring the conflict would happen so that Israel could see their victory as a gift from God rather than their own military success.
For believers today, this story offers comfort when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It teaches us that some barriers exist not to stop God’s people, but to display His power more clearly. When we trust in His timing and provision, even the strongest opposition becomes part of the path He has prepared for us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 33 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Sihon28×
- to/ Sihon8×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סִיחוֹן֙5×
- סִיחֹן֙4×
- סִיחֽוֹן\׃2×
- סִיחֹ֨ן2×
- סִיח֥וֹן2×
- סִיח֔וֹן2×
- לְ/סִיחֹן֙2×
- סִיחֹ֥ן1×
- סִיחֹ֣ן1×
- סִיחֹ֜ן1×
- סִיחֹ֛ן1×
- סִיחֹ֖ן1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 21:23
Sihon would not allow Israel to pass through his border, but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness, and came to Jahaz. He fought against Israel.
This verse shows Sihon actively gathering his forces to fight Israel after refusing peaceful passage, establishing him as a direct military threat.
-
Deuteronomy 2:30
But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him, for Yahweh your God hardened his spirit and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into your hand, as it is today.
Here the text explains that God hardened Sihon’s heart specifically so he would be delivered into Israel’s hands, highlighting divine sovereignty in the conflict.
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Numbers 21:34
Yahweh said to Moses, “Don’t fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, with all his people, and his land. You shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon.”
God commands Moses not to fear Sihon because He has already handed him over, reinforcing that the victory belongs to the Lord.
-
Joshua 12:2
Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, and ruled from Aroer, which is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the middle of the valley, and half Gilead, even to the river Jabbok, the border of the children of Ammon;
This passage lists Sihon’s extensive territory, showing how his defeat resulted in a significant inheritance for the tribes of Reuben and Gad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Sihon in the Bible?
Why did God harden Sihon’s heart?
What land did Sihon rule?
Every Occurrence (33 verses across 8 books)
Numbers 8 verses
Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,
Numbers 21:23Sihon would not allow Israel to pass through his border, but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out…
Numbers 21:26For Heshbon was the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken…
Numbers 21:27Therefore those who speak in proverbs say, “Come to Heshbon. Let the city of Sihon be built and established;
Numbers 21:28for a fire has gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon. It has devoured Ar of Moab, The lords of the high…
Numbers 21:29Woe to you, Moab! You are undone, people of Chemosh! He has given his sons as fugitives, and his daughters into…
Numbers 21:34Yahweh said to Moses, “Don’t fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, with all his people, and his land. You…
Numbers 32:33Moses gave to them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh the…