שִׂרְיֹן (shir.yon)
shir.yon
Sirion
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun shiryon appears in only two biblical verses, serving as a proper name for Mount Hermon. In these instances, specifically Deuteronomy 3:9 and Psalm 29:6, it is identified as the name used by the Sidonians for this prominent mountain range.
Lexical sources explain that the term literally translates to "breastplate" or armor. This etymology likely reflects the mountain’s physical appearance, with its snow-capped peaks resembling a protective plate worn on the chest. It stands as an alternative name for Har Hermon, highlighting how different neighboring cultures named the same geographical landmark.
Its limited occurrence underscores its role as a specific regional identifier rather than a common noun in these contexts. The word connects the Israelite audience to their northern neighbors, offering a glimpse into the shared geography and distinct linguistic traditions of the ancient Near East.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Sirion appears in Scripture as an ancient title for Mount Hermon, used by the Sidonians to the north. Its root meaning relates to armor or a breastplate, likely describing the mountain’s snow-covered peaks that gleam like polished metal against the sky. This single detail connects us to the shared geography of the ancient Near East, where different cultures named the same landmarks in their own languages.
When we read about Sirion skipping like a calf or trembling at God's voice, we see a picture of nature responding to its Creator. The Bible uses these familiar mountains to show that even the strongest natural forces are subject to Yahweh. It is a reminder that the earth itself acknowledges His authority.
This word invites us to look closer at the world around us. Just as the Sidonians named this mountain for its strength and protection, we can see God’s hand in the beauty of creation. It encourages a sense of wonder at how the physical world reflects spiritual truths about power and presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Sirion1×
- Sirion1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שִׂרְיֹ֑ן1×
- וְ֝/שִׂרְיֹ֗ן1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 3:9
(The Sidonians call Hermon Sirion, and the Amorites call it Senir.)
This verse identifies Sirion as the Sidonian name for Hermon, highlighting the cultural diversity in how ancient peoples named the same geographical landmark.
-
Psalms 29:6
He makes them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young, wild ox.
Here the psalmist uses the image of Sirion skipping like a young ox to illustrate how even the mightiest mountains tremble at the voice of the Lord.