שְׂנִיר (she.nir)
she.nir
Senir
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun shenir refers to Mount Hermon, specifically using the Amorite name for this peak. The term literally translates to "snow mountain," a description that captures the visual reality of the highest point in the region, whose summit remains capped with snow well into the summer months.
Scripture mentions this name in only three verses. In Deuteronomy 3:9, it is noted as a geographical marker for the Israelites, while Song of Solomon 4:8 and 1 Chronicles 5:23 use it to define the northern boundaries of the land. These references highlight its role as a distinct landmark known to neighboring peoples.
Although Hermon is the more common biblical name, shenir appears in contexts that acknowledge the diverse cultural landscape of ancient Canaan. By recording both names, the text preserves the memory of the Amorite inhabitants who lived in the shadow of this imposing mountain range.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about Mount Senir in Scripture, we are looking at a place that stood as a permanent fixture in the ancient world. This mountain, known today as Hermon, was so tall and cold that its peak stayed covered in snow even when summer heat baked the rest of the land. For the people living nearby, it was more than just rock and ice; it was a clear sign of God’s power over nature. Seeing such a steady landmark could remind us that while seasons change and empires rise or fall, God remains constant and unshakable.
The Bible uses this mountain to mark boundaries, showing how God guided His people through real geography. It also appears in poetry, linking the beauty of creation with the love between people. We can take comfort in knowing that the same Creator who set these mountains in place cares about our daily lives. When we feel uncertain or unstable, we can look up and remember that there is a solid foundation above us, one that has stood for thousands of years.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Senir2×
- and/ Senir1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שְׂנִיר֙1×
- שְׂנִֽיר\׃1×
- וּ/שְׂנִ֥יר1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 3:9
(The Sidonians call Hermon Sirion, and the Amorites call it Senir.)
This verse highlights the cultural diversity of the region by recording the specific name used by the Amorites for this major landmark.
-
Song of Solomon 4:8
Come with me from Lebanon, my bride, with me from Lebanon. Look from the top of Amana, from the top of Senir and Hermon, from the lions’ dens, from the mountains of the leopards.
The poet uses the snow-capped peak as a majestic backdrop to describe the beauty and safety found in a loving relationship.
-
I Chronicles 5:23
The children of the half-tribe of Manasseh lived in the land. They increased from Bashan to Baal Hermon, Senir, and Mount Hermon.
This historical record shows how the mountain served as a clear northern boundary for the territory settled by the tribe of Manasseh.