סִּרָה (si.rah)
si.rah
Sirah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun sirah appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, identifying a specific location known as "the turning" (2 Samuel 3:26). It functions as a proper name for a cistern or well situated on the road north of Hebron. The term itself derives from a root meaning to turn or bend, suggesting that the site was named for its physical characteristics rather than an abstract concept.
This single reference occurs during the tense negotiations between Joab and Abner. Joab lures Abner back to Hebron under false pretenses and kills him at this cistern. The name serves as a stark geographical marker in the narrative, grounding a moment of political betrayal in a real, tangible place. Translators typically render it simply as "Sirah" or "the Cistern," preserving its identity as a landmark without attempting to over-interpret its symbolic weight beyond its literal function as a water source.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sirah appears only once in Scripture, marking a specific well north of Hebron. It serves as a quiet backdrop to one of the Bible’s most painful political betrayals. Abner, a military leader, is lured back under false pretenses and killed at this cistern. The name itself suggests a turning or bending place, perhaps describing the physical shape of the water source.
For your faith, this single reference reminds us that spiritual battles often unfold in ordinary places. A well known for its water becomes a site of death. This reality invites us to be discerning in our relationships and cautious in our trust. Not every invitation is safe, even when it comes from those we know.
Yet, the narrative does not end with betrayal. David’s reaction shows his commitment to justice and his refusal to take vengeance into his own hands. We can find comfort in knowing that God sees these hidden moments. He remains sovereign even when human plans go wrong.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ Sirah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/סִּרָ֑ה1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 3:26
When Joab had come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David didn’t know it.
This verse identifies Sirah as the location where Abner was brought back and killed, grounding the betrayal in a specific geographical landmark.