from חָרַם; abrupt; Chermon, a mount of Palestine; Hermon.
Transliteration:Chermôwn
Pronunciation:kher-mone'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חֶרְמוֹן (Chermôwn), Strong's number `{{H2768}}`, is derived from the root חָרַם (charam), which conveys meanings such as "to be cut off," "to be devoted," or "to be abrupt." In the context of Mount Hermon, the "abrupt" or "separate" aspect of the root is most fitting, describing its imposing height and distinct separation from surrounding terrain. Its primary semantic range is therefore geographical, referring specifically to the prominent mountain range that forms the northernmost part of the Anti-Lebanon mountains. The name itself reflects its striking elevation and isolated grandeur.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Mount Hermon is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily as a significant geographical landmark defining the northern extent of the land of Israel.
* In [[Deuteronomy 3:8-9]], Hermon is identified as the northern limit of the territory east of the Jordan conquered by Moses, noting its Sidonian name "Sirion" and Amorite name "Senir," indicating its widespread recognition among various peoples.
* [[Joshua 11:3]] and [[Joshua 11:17]] describe the extent of the land conquered by Joshua, with Hermon consistently marking the northernmost point. The phrase "the valley of Lebanon below Mount Hermon" underscores its commanding presence.
* Further references in [[Joshua 12:1]], [[Joshua 12:5]], [[Joshua 13:5]], and [[Joshua 13:11]] reiterate its role as a boundary marker for the allocation of tribal lands, particularly for the half-tribe of Manasseh.
* [[1 Chronicles 5:23]] again places the territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh as extending to "Baal-Hermon and Senir and Mount Hermon," associating it with local place names.
* In poetic literature, Hermon takes on symbolic significance. [[Psalm 42:6]] mentions "the land of the Jordan and of Hermon," suggesting a distant, elevated place from which the psalmist reflects.
* [[Psalm 89:12]] declares, "Tabor and Hermon shout for joy at Your name," personifying these prominent mountains as witnesses to God's creative power and faithfulness.
* Most notably, [[Psalm 133:3]] uses the imagery of "the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion," to illustrate the blessing of unity. This highlights Hermon's reputation for abundant, life-giving dew, symbolically connecting the physical blessing from the highest peak to the spiritual center of Jerusalem.
* [[Song of Solomon 4:8]] incorporates Hermon into a poetic description, "Come with me from Lebanon, my bride, come with me from Lebanon. Descend from the top of Amana, from the top of Senir and Hermon," utilizing its majestic and elevated imagery.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related terms and concepts illuminate the significance of Hermon:
* **Other Names for Hermon**: The text itself provides alternative names, such as **Sirion** `{{H7882}}` (Sidonian, [[Deuteronomy 3:9]]) and **Senir** `{{H8149}}` (Amorite, [[Deuteronomy 3:9]], [[Song of Solomon 4:8]]), indicating its importance across different cultures.
* **Baal-Hermon** `{{H1179}}`: A place name associated with the mountain ([[Judges 3:3]], [[1 Chronicles 5:23]]), possibly indicating a high place of worship dedicated to a local deity, reflective of ancient Canaanite religious practices.
* **Geographical Markers**: Hermon is often mentioned alongside other significant mountains like Mount Tabor `{{H8399}}` ([[Psalm 89:12]]) and Mount Zion `{{H6726}}` ([[Psalm 133:3]]), serving as a pivotal geographical reference point.
* **Dew**: The "dew of Hermon" is a powerful metaphor for divine blessing and refreshment in a land where water is precious. This concept is central to the imagery of unity and sustenance in [[Psalm 133:3]].
* **Boundaries**: Hermon consistently functions as a natural boundary, delineating the northern extent of the land promised to Israel, underscoring the concept of divinely appointed borders.
### Theological Significance
Mount Hermon holds several layers of theological significance:
* **Divine Majesty and Creation**: As one of the highest and most imposing natural features in the region, Hermon serves as a powerful testament to God's creative power and majesty. Its personification in [[Psalm 89:12]] as "shouting for joy" alongside Tabor underscores the witness of creation to the Creator's glory and faithfulness.
* **Blessing and Unity**: The imagery of the "dew of Hermon" in [[Psalm 133:3]] is profoundly symbolic. The abundant, life-sustaining dew that irrigates the region from Hermon's heights is a metaphor for the refreshing, unifying blessing of God that descends upon His people when they dwell in unity. This illustrates a divine flow of favor from the highest source to the spiritual heart of the nation (Zion), fostering communal harmony and vitality.
* **Geographical Delimitation of the Promised Land**: Hermon's consistent role as the northern boundary reinforces the concept of God's sovereign gift of a specific, divinely ordained territory to His covenant people. It marks the outer limits of the land promised and protected by God.
* **Potential Site of Transfiguration**: While not explicitly named in the New Testament, strong tradition places the Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Hermon (cf. [[Matthew 17:1-8]], [[Mark 9:2-8]], [[Luke 9:28-36]]). This tradition is supported by the proximity of Caesarea Philippi (where Jesus was with His disciples shortly before the event) to Hermon, and the description of the mountain as "high." If accurate, this would imbue Hermon with immense theological significance as a site of profound divine revelation, where Christ's glory was unveiled to His disciples, connecting it directly to the climactic events of the Gospels.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חֶרְמוֹן (Chermôwn), Strong's number `{{H2768}}`, refers to Mount Hermon, a majestic and prominent mountain whose name likely signifies its "abrupt" or "separate" elevation. Biblically, it functions primarily as a crucial geographical marker, consistently defining the northern boundary of the land of Israel. Theologically, Hermon stands as a monument to God's creative power and majesty, as seen in the poetic witness of creation. Most significantly, the "dew of Hermon" in [[Psalm 133:3]] serves as a rich metaphor for the refreshing, life-giving blessing of unity among God's people. Furthermore, its traditional association with the Transfiguration of Christ adds a layer of profound New Testament significance, linking it to the revelation of divine glory and the person of Jesus.
TRV