שֹׁמְרוֹן (sho.me.ron)

sho.me.ron

Samaria

H8111 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 91 verses

N:N--L

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 91 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N--L

Word Overview

Shomeron is the Hebrew name for Samaria, a city and region that served as the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. The name derives from Shemer, an earlier owner of the hill on which King Omri built his new royal seat (1 Kings 16:24). Because of this origin, lexicons often translate it as "watch mountain" or "watch station," reflecting its strategic position overlooking the surrounding valleys.

In Scripture, Shomeron appears frequently in the historical books, particularly in 2 Kings and 1 Kings, where it functions as a shorthand for the entire northern kingdom. The city’s prominence is such that prophets like Amos and Hosea use "the calf of Samaria" to condemn the idolatry established there by Jeroboam (Hosea 8:5-6). Its fall to Assyria became a defining moment in Israel’s history, marking the end of the northern kingdom and the beginning of its complex demographic legacy.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Samaria stands as more than a geographic coordinate in Scripture; it represents a complex legacy of political ambition, spiritual compromise, and divine judgment. Built by King Omri on land purchased from Shemer, this city became the capital of the northern kingdom and a center for idolatry that led prophets like Elijah and Elisha to confront its leaders. The name itself recalls a hilltop watch station, yet its history shows how strategic advantage can become a trap when faith is abandoned.

For readers today, Samaria reminds us that location does not guarantee favor. Even when God’s people dwell in places of power or influence, their standing depends on loyalty to Him. The prophets’ warnings against the high places and calf idols in Samaria highlight the danger of mixing worship with cultural convenience. This history invites reflection on where we place our trust—whether in visible structures or in the unseen God who judges all nations.

Understanding Samaria helps us see the broader biblical narrative of exile and restoration. Its fall to Assyria marked a turning point, yet God’s purposes extended beyond judgment. The region’s story encourages believers to remain faithful even when surrounding culture promotes false gods, knowing that God sees the heart behind every action.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 91 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Samaria50×
in/ Samaria29×
from/ Samaria5×
to/ Samaria4×
Samaria/ towards3×
[is] in/ Samaria2×
and/ more than/ Samaria1×
and/ from/ Samaria1×
[was] in/ Samaria1×
[is] Samaria1×
[is it] Samaria1×
O Samaria1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

בְּ/שֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן10×
שֹׁמְרֽוֹן\׃9×
שֹֽׁמְר֔וֹן8×
שֹׁמְר֖וֹן7×
שֹׁמְר֔וֹן7×
שֹׁמְר֑וֹן7×
בְּ/שֹׁמְר֑וֹן7×
בְּ/שֹׁמְרֽוֹן\׃6×
בְּ/שֹׁמְר֖וֹן5×
שֹׁמְרֽוֹן\׃\ \פ4×
שֹׁמְר֗וֹן3×
שֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן3×

Key Verses

I Kings 16:24
He bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver; and he built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, Samaria, after the name of Shemer, the owner of the hill.

This verse explains the etymology of the name, showing how a political purchase became the site of a kingdom that would later reject Yahweh.
I Kings 13:32
For the saying which he cried by Yahweh’s word against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria, will surely happen.”

The prophet’s warning against the high places in Samaria underscores the city's role as a center of idolatrous worship that defied God's commands.
II Kings 5:3
She said to her mistress, “I wish that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! Then he would heal him of his leprosy.”

A Syrian servant girl recognizes the power of the prophet in Samaria, highlighting that God’s presence was acknowledged even by outsiders despite the kingdom's spiritual decline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Samaria mean?

The name comes from Shemer, the owner of the hill where King Omri built the city (1 Kings 16:24). While some lexicons suggest meanings like 'watch mountain' due to its strategic position, the biblical text primarily identifies it by its founder's name.

Why is Samaria significant in the Old Testament?

Samaria served as the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel and became a symbol of spiritual apostasy. Prophets frequently condemned the idolatry established there, such as the golden calves set up by Jeroboam, making it a focal point for God’s judgments through Assyria.

How does Samaria relate to the prophets Elijah and Elisha?

Both prophets operated extensively in and around Samaria. Elijah confronted King Ahab about Baal worship, while Elisha performed miracles there, including blinding and then healing Aramean soldiers (2 Kings 6). Their ministries highlighted God’s power over the kingdom’s false gods.

Every Occurrence (91 verses across 9 books)

I Kings 16 verses

I Kings 13:32

For the saying which he cried by Yahweh’s word against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high…

I Kings 16:24

He bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver; and he built on the hill, and called the name of the…

I Kings 16:28

So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria; and Ahab his son reigned in his place.

I Kings 16:29

In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri began to reign over Israel. Ahab the son of Omri…

I Kings 16:32

He raised up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria.

I Kings 18:2

Elijah went to show himself to Ahab. The famine was severe in Samaria.

I Kings 20:1

Ben Hadad the king of Syria gathered all his army together; and there were thirty-two kings with him, with horses and…

I Kings 20:10

Ben Hadad sent to him, and said, “The gods do so to me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria will be enough for…

I Kings 20:17

The young men of the princes of the provinces went out first; and Ben Hadad sent out, and they told him, saying, “Men…

I Kings 20:34

Ben Hadad said to him, “The cities which my father took from your father I will restore. You shall make streets for…

I Kings 20:43

The king of Israel went to his house sullen and angry, and came to Samaria.

I Kings 21:1

After these things, Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard which was in Jezreel, next to the palace of Ahab king of…

I Kings 21:18

“Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who dwells in Samaria. Behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, where he…

I Kings 22:10

Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah were sitting each on his throne, arrayed in their robes, in an…

I Kings 22:37

So the king died, and was brought to Samaria; and they buried the king in Samaria.

I Kings 22:38

They washed the chariot by the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up his blood where the prostitutes washed…

II Kings 44 verses

II Chronicles 8 verses

Isaiah 6 verses

Jeremiah 3 verses

Hosea 5 verses

Amos 5 verses

Obadiah 1 verse

Micah 3 verses