סִרְיֹן (sir.yon)
sir.yon
armor
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun siryon refers to armor, specifically the protective gear worn by soldiers in battle. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times within the book of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 46:3-4). In these passages, the word describes the equipment prepared for war, highlighting the seriousness and scale of the military conflict described.
While the term is rare, its usage underscores the tangible reality of warfare in ancient Israel. The sources do not distinguish it from other general words for weapons or shields, but rather use it as a collective term for defensive gear. This scarcity suggests that when the biblical authors did choose this specific word, they wanted to emphasize the full readiness and protection of the army.
The context in Jeremiah is particularly striking. The prophet uses siryon not just to describe physical armor, but to illustrate God’s judgment. The preparation of such extensive armor becomes a symbol of impending disaster, showing that even the most well-equipped forces are subject to divine will. This usage adds a layer of theological depth to a otherwise straightforward military term.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word siryon appears only twice in Scripture, both within Jeremiah’s warnings to Egypt and Babylon. It refers to the heavy protective gear worn by soldiers, a vivid image of total military readiness. In those ancient battles, armor was not just metal; it represented human effort to survive through strength and preparation.
Yet Jeremiah uses this imagery to show that no amount of protection can shield people from God’s purposes. When nations rely on their own might, they often forget who holds ultimate authority. This reminds us that while we may prepare for life’s challenges, our true security rests not in our defenses but in trusting the One who sees all things.
Perhaps you face a situation where you feel the need to armor yourself against uncertainty or fear. Instead of relying solely on your own strength, consider how faith invites us to rest in God’s care. Even when circumstances seem overwhelming, there is hope beyond what we can control.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ armor1×
- in/ armor/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/סִּרְיֹנֹֽת\׃1×
- בְּ/סִרְיֹנ֑/וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 46:4
Harness the horses, and get up, you horsemen, and stand up with your helmets. Polish the spears, put on the coats of mail.
This verse lists siryon among other war preparations, emphasizing the completeness of Egypt's military mobilization before battle.
-
Jeremiah 51:3
Against him who bends, let the archer bend his bow, also against him who lifts himself up in his coat of mail. Don’t spare her young men! Utterly destroy all her army!
Here siryon describes Babylonian soldiers, highlighting how even their strongest defenses will fall under divine judgment.