### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ὀρεινός (oreinós)**, represented by `{{G3714}}`, is a term for a **mountainous** region or **hill country**. It appears **2 times** in **2 verses**, and in its biblical context refers specifically to the highlands of Judæa.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In Luke's gospel, `{{G3714}}` sets the stage for foundational events in the nativity narrative. It is the region where Mary **went** `{{G4198}}` with haste to visit a city of Juda [[Luke 1:39]]. Later, it is the area throughout which the extraordinary "sayings" concerning the birth of John the Baptist were **noised abroad** `{{G1255}}`, causing fear to come upon all the residents [[Luke 1:65]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the location and context of the **hill country**:
* `{{G2449}}` **Ioudaía** (the Judæan land): This word specifies the exact geographical area identified as the **hill country** [[Luke 1:65]].
* `{{G2448}}` **Ioudá** (Judah): This term identifies the specific part of Palestine containing the **city** `{{G4172}}` to which Mary traveled within the **hill country** [[Luke 1:39]].
* `{{G4172}}` **pólis** (city): This word indicates a specific, walled town that served as Mary's destination within the broader expanse of the **hill country** [[Luke 1:39]].
* `{{G4198}}` **poreúomai** (to traverse, i.e. travel): This verb describes the action of a journey taken to arrive **into** `{{G1519}}` the **hill country** [[Luke 1:39]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G3714}}` is tied to the pivotal biblical events that occur within this location.
* **Setting for Revelation:** The **hill country** is the chosen backdrop for the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth, a crucial event in the story of the Incarnation. Mary's travel to this place is marked by haste and divine purpose [[Luke 1:39]].
* **Theater of Proclamation:** The region becomes the first place where news of God's miraculous work through the birth of John the Baptist is widely spread, signifying its importance in the announcement of God's unfolding plan [[Luke 1:65]].
* **A Place of Consequence:** The events that happened there were not private; they prompted a response of **fear** `{{G5401}}` from all who dwelt in the surrounding area, showing the local impact of God's actions [[Luke 1:65]].
### Summary
In summary, **ὀρεινός (oreinós)** is more than just a geographical descriptor. It serves as a precise anchor in Luke’s narrative, identifying the **hill country** of Judaea as the setting for critical moments in salvation history. Its use demonstrates how the biblical story is interwoven with real places, making the landscape itself a witness to the unfolding work of God.
TRV