from an otherwise unknown name of a man; a Sinite, or descendant of one of the sons of Canaan; Sinite.
Transliteration:Çîynîy
Pronunciation:see-nee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term Çîynîy (`{{H5513}}`) is a gentilic noun derived from an otherwise unknown proper name, likely that of an ancestor or eponymous founder. Its base definition indicates "a Sinite, or descendant of one of the sons of Canaan." As such, its primary semantic range is limited to identifying a specific tribal or ethnic group that descended from Canaan, the son of Ham and grandson of Noah. It functions exclusively as a designation for this particular people, indicating their lineage and collective identity within the broader family of nations. There is no evidence of broader metaphorical or symbolic usage; its meaning is strictly genealogical and ethno-geographical.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Çîynîy (`{{H5513}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the genealogical lists known as the Table of Nations.
1. **[[Genesis 10:17]]**: "and the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite, and afterward were the families of the Canaanites spread abroad. And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboiim, even unto Lasha."
In this foundational chapter, which details the dispersion of humanity after the Flood, the Sinite is listed among the numerous sons of Canaan, alongside other well-known Canaanite tribes such as the Hethite, Jebusite, Amorite, Girgashite, Hivite, Arkite, Arvadite, Zemarite, and Hamathite. The context is purely genealogical, establishing the lineage and tribal divisions of the descendants of Ham, specifically through Canaan. The Sinite's inclusion underscores the meticulous detail of the biblical record in accounting for the various peoples that populated the ancient Near East.
2. **[[1 Chronicles 1:15]]**: "and the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite,"
This verse in 1 Chronicles presents an abridged version of the Table of Nations from Genesis 10, serving to reiterate and consolidate the genealogical record. The Sinite is again listed among the sons of Canaan, confirming its identity as a distinct, albeit obscure, tribal entity within the Canaanite confederation. The repetition in this later historical book emphasizes the continuity and importance of these ancestral records for Israelite identity and understanding of the world. The consistent placement within these lists highlights its status as one of the constituent peoples of the land of Canaan.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Sinite (Çîynîy, `{{H5513}}`) is intrinsically linked to several key biblical concepts and other tribal names:
* **Canaan (`{{H3669}}`)**: The Sinite is explicitly identified as a "son" or descendant of Canaan, establishing its familial and geographical ties. This places the Sinites within the broader group of peoples inhabiting the land promised to Israel.
* **Table of Nations**: The primary context for Çîynîy is the "Table of Nations" in [[Genesis 10]] and [[1 Chronicles 1]]. This comprehensive genealogical record outlines the descent of all peoples from Noah, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all humanity and the origins of the various nations.
* **Canaanite Peoples**: The Sinite is consistently listed alongside other prominent Canaanite tribes, such as the Hethite (`{{H2845}}`), Jebusite (`{{H2983}}`), Amorite (`{{H567}}`), Girgashite (`{{H1622}}`), Hivite (`{{H2340}}`), Arkite (`{{H6197}}`), Arvadite (`{{H758}}`), Zemarite (`{{H6786}}`), and Hamathite (`{{H2577}}`). This association firmly places the Sinites within the ethnic and geographical tapestry of pre-Israelite Canaan.
* **Geographical Obscurity**: Unlike some other Canaanite groups whose territories are more clearly defined in later biblical narratives (e.g., Jebusites in Jerusalem, Amorites in the Transjordan), the specific location or historical impact of the Sinites remains largely unknown. Some scholars have posited connections to the "land of Sinim" in [[Isaiah 49:12]] or a region in northern Lebanon, but these are speculative and not directly supported by the biblical text itself for `{{H5513}}`. Its obscurity highlights the meticulous nature of the biblical record, even for minor groups.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of the Sinite (Çîynîy, `{{H5513}}`) lies primarily in its inclusion within the comprehensive biblical genealogies, particularly the Table of Nations in [[Genesis 10]].
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**: The meticulous listing of various peoples, even obscure ones like the Sinites, underscores the biblical assertion of God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations and their origins. It demonstrates that the diversity of humanity is part of God's design and that no people group is outside of His knowledge or providential oversight.
2. **Historical Realism of Scripture**: The inclusion of a seemingly minor and historically obscure group like the Sinites lends credence to the historical realism of the biblical narrative. It suggests a detailed and accurate accounting of ancient peoples, rather than a mere mythological construct. This specificity, even for groups that play no further role in Israel's history, reinforces the Bible's claim to be a reliable historical record.
3. **Context for Israel's Covenant**: As one of the descendants of Canaan, the Sinite tribe belongs to the peoples whose land was eventually promised to Abraham and his descendants. Their existence, alongside other Canaanite groups, sets the stage for the later narratives of the Exodus and the conquest of Canaan, where the land occupied by these tribes would become the inheritance of Israel. This highlights the unfolding of God's covenant plan through specific historical and geographical realities.
4. **Completeness of God's Record**: The very obscurity of the Sinites, juxtaposed with their inclusion in the sacred text, suggests the completeness and thoroughness of God's record of humanity. It implies that every people, regardless of their prominence in human history, holds a place within the divine narrative of creation and dispersion.
### Summary
The term Çîynîy (`{{H5513}}`), or "Sinite," refers to a specific tribal group identified as a descendant of Canaan, the son of Ham. Appearing only twice in the biblical text, in the genealogical lists of [[Genesis 10:17]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:15]], the Sinite is consistently presented alongside other Canaanite peoples. While their specific geographical location and historical impact remain largely unknown, their inclusion in these foundational genealogies is significant. The Sinites serve as a testament to the meticulous detail of the biblical record, affirming God's comprehensive knowledge and sovereignty over all nations. Their presence within the Table of Nations also underscores the historical grounding of the land of Canaan as the inheritance promised to Israel, setting the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through a specific people and place.
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