(rather to be written סְוֵנָה; for סְוֵן; i.e to Seven); of Egyptian derivation; Seven, a place in Upper Egypt; Syene.
Transliteration:Çᵉvênêh
Pronunciation:sev-ay-nay'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5482}}` (Çᵉvênêh) is a proper noun, transliterating the ancient Egyptian place name Syene. According to the provided definition, it is of Egyptian derivation and refers to a specific geographical location in Upper Egypt. While the Strong's definition suggests a possible connection to the number "seven" (סְוֵן), this is likely a phonetic approximation or a folk etymology rather than a direct semantic link within Hebrew. The core meaning is unequivocally the city itself, known in antiquity as Syene and today as Aswan. Its semantic range is therefore limited to this singular geographical entity, serving as a fixed point on the map of the ancient Near East.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H5482}}` appears in the Hebrew Bible exclusively within the book of Ezekiel, specifically in [[Ezekiel 29:10]]. The context is a prophetic oracle against Egypt, pronounced by the Lord God. The verse states: "Therefore, behold, I am against you and against your streams, and I will make the land of Egypt a desolation and a waste, from Migdol to Syene, even to the border of Ethiopia."
In this passage, Syene marks the southern extremity of Egypt. Migdol (`{{H4024}}`) is generally understood to be a northern border town, possibly near the Mediterranean coast. Thus, the phrase "from Migdol to Syene" functions as a merism, encompassing the entire geographical breadth of Egypt from its northernmost to its southernmost point. This literary device emphasizes the totality and comprehensiveness of the divine judgment prophesied against the land of Egypt. The inclusion of "even to the border of Ethiopia" (`{{H3568}}` Cush) further underscores the complete devastation that would extend right up to Egypt's southern frontier. The precise geographical reference lends a tangible quality to the prophetic declaration, indicating that no part of the nation would escape the impending desolation.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun designating a specific place, `{{H5482}}` does not have direct lexical cognates in Hebrew that share its root meaning. However, it is contextually related to other geographical terms and concepts in the biblical narrative, particularly those associated with Egypt and its neighbors.
* **Egypt (`{{H4714}}` Mizrayim):** Syene is defined by its location within Egypt and serves as a boundary marker for the nation.
* **Migdol (`{{H4024}}`):** Paired with Syene, Migdol forms a geographical pair that delineates the full extent of Egypt.
* **Ethiopia/Cush (`{{H3568}}`):** Syene is located at the border of Ethiopia, highlighting the geopolitical context of ancient Egypt.
* **Desolation (`{{H2721}}` Chorbah) and Waste (`{{H4900}}` Meshammah):** These are the outcomes prophesied for the land of Egypt, the extent of which is marked by Syene.
* **Judgment and Sovereignty:** The use of precise geographical markers like Syene underscores God's meticulous and absolute sovereignty over nations and their territories, even in judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5482}}` (Syene) is not derived from its intrinsic etymology but from its strategic placement within the prophetic declaration of God's judgment against Egypt. Its role as the southernmost boundary marker in [[Ezekiel 29:10]] is pivotal:
1. **Totality of Judgment:** By defining the extent of the desolation "from Migdol to Syene," the prophecy conveys that the divine judgment will be absolute and comprehensive, sparing no part of the land of Egypt. This underscores the thoroughness of God's righteous wrath against a nation that had historically oppressed Israel and often stood in opposition to God's will.
2. **Divine Sovereignty over Nations:** The precise geographical delineation demonstrates God's intimate knowledge of and absolute control over the nations of the world. Even mighty Egypt, with its ancient civilization and perceived invincibility, is shown to be utterly subject to the divine decree. God's word is not vague but precise, reaching every corner of the land.
3. **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The naming of specific, well-known locations like Syene lends credibility and tangibility to the prophecy, indicating that these are not abstract threats but concrete, historical events ordained by God. It serves as a testament to the reliability of God's prophetic word.
### Summary
`{{H5482}}` (Çᵉvênêh) is the Hebrew transliteration for Syene, an ancient city located at the southern border of Upper Egypt, known today as Aswan. Its sole appearance in the Hebrew Bible is in [[Ezekiel 29:10]], where it serves as a crucial geographical marker. In this prophetic context, the phrase "from Migdol to Syene" functions as a merism, signifying the entire land of Egypt. Theologically, the mention of Syene underscores the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's judgment upon Egypt, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over nations and the precise fulfillment of His divine pronouncements.
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