סִין (sin)
sin
Pelusium; Sin
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun sin refers to two distinct locations in the Old Testament narrative: the wilderness region between Elim and Mount Sinai, and the Egyptian city known as Pelusium. The sources indicate that the name likely derives from a root meaning "thorn" or "clay." This etymology offers a vivid contrast between the harsh, thorny desert landscape where Israel wandered and the clay-rich delta region of Egypt.
In Exodus 16:1, the wilderness of sin marks the first major testing ground for the people after leaving Elim. Here, they face hunger and doubt, prompting God to provide manna. The city of Pelusium appears later in prophetic texts, such as Ezekiel 29:10 and 30:6, often symbolizing the eastern border of Egypt or a place of judgment. Translators typically render the word as "Sin" for the desert and "Pelusium" for the city to avoid confusion.
The dual usage highlights the geographical and theological journey of Israel. They moved from the land of slavery, represented by the clay city, into the barren wilderness where their dependence on God was forged. The name itself, whether evoking thorns or clay, anchors these events in a tangible, physical reality that shaped the nation's early history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Sin (H5512) points to a specific wilderness region between Elim and Mount Sinai. It was here that the Israelites faced their first major test after leaving Egypt. With no food in sight, they questioned God’s care. This moment reveals how faith is often forged in uncertainty.
God responded not with anger but with provision. He sent manna from heaven, teaching the people to trust Him day by day. The wilderness was not just a place of hardship; it became a classroom for dependence. When we face our own barren places, this story reminds us that God provides what we need, even when the path seems unclear.
Understanding this location helps us see our spiritual journey more clearly. Just as Israel moved from slavery to freedom through trials, we too are shaped by the seasons where we must learn to rely on divine provision rather than our own strength.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Sin4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סִֽין\׃1×
- סִ֛ין1×
- סִ֔ין1×
- סִ֑ין1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 16:1
They took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.
This verse marks the first arrival at the wilderness of Sin, setting the stage for God's provision of manna.
-
Exodus 17:1
All the congregation of the children of Israel traveled from the wilderness of Sin, starting according to Yahweh’s commandment, and encamped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink.
Here the people travel from Sin to Rephidim, where the lack of water leads to another test of faith.
-
Numbers 33:11
They traveled from the Red Sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin.
This entry in the journey list confirms Sin as a key encampment between the Red Sea and Dophkah.