### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **har**, represented by `{{H2022}}`, is a primary term for **a mountain or range of hills**. It appears **546 times** in **485 unique verses**, indicating its importance in the landscape and language of the Bible. Beyond its literal meaning as a physical landform, it is sometimes used figuratively and can refer to a hill, hill country, or even promotion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2022}}` is central to describing both geography and divine activity. Mountains are a defining feature of the promised land [[Deuteronomy 11:11]] and the site of crucial encounters with God, such as at Horeb, the "mountain of God" [[Exodus 3:1]]. They are places of refuge [[Genesis 19:17]] and sites where God's power is revealed, as when the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire to protect Elisha [[2 Kings 6:17]]. The term also symbolizes stability and permanence. Those who trust in the LORD are compared to **mount** Zion, "which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever" [[Psalms 125:1]]. In a powerful display of God's faithfulness, His kindness is declared to be even more enduring than the mountains themselves [[Isaiah 54:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a richer understanding of the topographical and symbolic landscape:
* `{{H1389}}` **gibʻâh** (hill, little hill): This term for a smaller hillock is frequently paired with **har** to describe the complete topography of a region. Prophecies speak of a time when the **mountains** and the **hills** will break forth into singing [[Isaiah 55:12]] and when the mountain of the LORD's house will be exalted above the **hills** [[Micah 4:1]].
* `{{H1516}}` **gayʼ** (valley): As a topographical contrast, a valley is a gorge with lofty sides. Scripture foretells a day when every **valley** will be exalted and every **mountain** and hill made low [[Isaiah 40:4]]. The cleaving of the Mount of Olives will form a great **valley** of escape [[Zechariah 14:4-5]].
* `{{H6726}}` **Tsîyôwn** (Zion): This is the proper name for the mountain of Jerusalem, which holds immense theological weight. It is described as the "holy hill" [[Psalms 2:6]], the location of God's dwelling [[Isaiah 8:18]], and the place from which deliverance comes [[Joel 2:32]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2022}}` is profound, representing key spiritual concepts.
* **Place of Divine Dwelling:** The "holy **hill**" or "holy **mountain**" is repeatedly identified as the place of God's sacred presence, where He dwells and answers His people ([[Psalms 15:1]], [[Psalms 3:4]]). God promises to bring His people to "my holy **mountain**" and make them joyful [[Isaiah 56:7]].
* **Symbol of God's Kingdom:** The **mountain** of the LORD's house will be established above all other mountains, symbolizing the ultimate supremacy and permanence of God's kingdom, to which all nations will flow ([[Isaiah 2:2]], [[Micah 4:1]]).
* **Emblem of Overwhelming Obstacles:** A great **mountain** is used figuratively to represent an insurmountable problem that God can level, as promised to Zerubbabel, "O great **mountain**? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain" [[Zechariah 4:7]].
* **Center of Salvation:** Deliverance is explicitly linked to **mount** Zion [[Obadiah 1:17]]. It is the place of refuge where those who call on the name of the LORD will be saved [[Joel 2:32]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2022}}` is far more than a geographical term. It serves as a foundational element in Scripture, describing the literal landscape of biblical events while also carrying immense symbolic weight. From the tangible sites of divine revelation like Sinai to the figurative "great mountain" of human struggle, **har** is a cornerstone concept. It ultimately points to the establishment of God's eternal and immovable kingdom on His holy mountain, Zion, the center of worship, salvation, and His divine presence.
TRV