### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Sinâ**, represented by `{{G4614}}`, is a proper noun identifying **Sina (i.e. Sinai), a mountain in Arabia**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is consistently used to refer to the specific geographical location known as Mount Sinai, a place of significant divine encounters and revelation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, `{{G4614}}` is referenced to recall pivotal events in Israel's history. It is identified as the place in the **wilderness** `{{G2048}}` where an **angel** `{{G32}}` of the **Lord** `{{G2962}}` appeared to Moses in a **flame** `{{G5395}}` of **fire** `{{G4442}}` in a **bush** `{{G942}}` [[Acts 7:30]]. It is also the location where the **church** `{{G1577}}` in the wilderness received the "lively **oracles** `{{G3051}}`" from the **angel** [[Acts 7:38]]. In Galatians, Paul uses the location allegorically, stating that one covenant comes from **mount** `{{G3735}}` Sinai, which leads to **bondage** `{{G1397}}` [[Galatians 4:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events and theological concepts associated with Sinai:
* `{{G3735}}` **óros** (a mountain): This word is always used in conjunction with `{{G4614}}` in its occurrences, grounding the events at a physical **mount** ([[Acts 7:30]], [[Acts 7:38]], [[Galatians 4:24]], [[Galatians 4:25]]).
* `{{G32}}` **ángelos** (a messenger; especially an "angel"): An **angel** is the divine agent of revelation at Mount Sina, appearing in the bush and delivering the oracles ([[Acts 7:30]], [[Acts 7:38]]).
* `{{G1397}}` **douleía** (slavery...--bondage): Paul directly connects the covenant from Sinai with **bondage**, a state of figurative slavery [[Galatians 4:24]].
* `{{G688}}` **Arabía** (Arabia, a region of Asia): The physical location of Mount Sinai is specified as being in **Arabia** [[Galatians 4:25]].
* `{{G2419}}` **Hierousalḗm** (Hierusalem... the capitol of Palestine): In Paul's allegory, Mount Sinai corresponds to the present **Jerusalem** which is in **bondage** `{{G1398}}` [[Galatians 4:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4614}}` is significant, particularly in its symbolic usage.
* **Place of Divine Revelation:** Sinai is presented as a location where God communicates directly with humanity, both through the appearance of an **angel** `{{G32}}` in a **bush** `{{G942}}` and through the giving of the "lively **oracles** `{{G3051}}`" ([[Acts 7:30]], [[Acts 7:38]]).
* **Symbol of the Old Covenant:** In Paul's allegorical teaching, Mount Sinai represents the covenant that "gendereth to **bondage** `{{G1397}}`" [[Galatians 4:24]].
* **Contrast with the New Jerusalem:** This covenant, symbolized by Sinai in **Arabia** `{{G688}}`, is contrasted with a different spiritual reality, as it corresponds to the earthly **Jerusalem** `{{G2419}}` that "is in **bondage** `{{G1398}}`" [[Galatians 4:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4614}}` is more than a geographical marker. It functions as a foundational reference point for God's revelation to Israel and the establishment of the Mosaic covenant. While Acts recalls the historical divine encounters at Sinai, Galatians uses it as a powerful symbol to contrast the old covenant of law, which results in **bondage**, with the freedom offered through a new covenant.
TRV