### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Çîynay**, represented by `{{H5514}}`, refers to **Sinai**, the mountain in Arabia. It appears **35 times** across **34 unique verses** in the Bible. This location is a pivotal site in the biblical narrative, primarily known as the place where God descended to give His laws and commandments to the people of Israel through Moses.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5514}}` is the central location for God's self-revelation to Israel after the exodus from Egypt. The LORD **descended** upon **mount Sinai** in **fire**, causing the whole **mount** to **quake greatly** [[Exodus 19:18]]. The glory of the LORD **abode** upon the mountain, and a **cloud covered** it for six days [[Exodus 24:16]]. It is here that God **spake** with Moses and **gave** him the **two tables of testimony**, written with the **finger of God** [[Exodus 31:18]]. The site also serves as a significant landmark in Israel's journeys, with the people camping in the **wilderness of Sinai** [[Exodus 19:2]] and later departing from there [[Numbers 10:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events at Sinai:
* `{{H2022}}` **har** (a mountain or range of hills): This word is frequently paired with **Sinai** to form the phrase "mount Sinai," establishing the location as a specific mountain where divine events occurred [[Exodus 19:20]].
* `{{H4872}}` **Môsheh** (Moses): The Israelite lawgiver is the central human figure at Sinai, ascending the mountain to commune with God and receive the commandments for the people [[Exodus 34:2]].
* `{{H3381}}` **yârad** (to descend): This verb is used to describe the LORD's dramatic arrival on the mountain, an action that instills awe and signifies God's direct presence with His people [[Exodus 19:11]].
* `{{H8451}}` **tôwrâh** (a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch): Sinai is the place where God gave Israel His **laws**, establishing the covenant and the moral and ceremonial framework for the nation [[Nehemiah 9:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5514}}` is immense, underscoring several key truths.
* **Divine Theophany:** Sinai is the preeminent location of a divine appearance in the Old Testament. The Lord **descended** upon it in **fire** [[Exodus 19:18]], causing the **earth** to **shook** and the **heavens** to **dropped** at the presence of God [[Psalms 68:8]]. This established God's immense power and holiness.
* **Covenantal Law:** The giving of the **law** at Sinai is a cornerstone of Israel's relationship with God. It is where the LORD made **statutes and judgments and laws** with the **children of Israel** by the **hand of Moses** [[Leviticus 26:46]], and from where His **fiery law** went forth [[Deuteronomy 33:2]].
* **Awe and Holiness:** The events at Sinai were so powerful that the mountain itself was to be consecrated, with **bounds** set around it so the **people** could not approach [[Exodus 19:23]]. The entire mount **quaked greatly** [[Exodus 19:18]], underscoring the reverence required in the presence of God.
* **Place of Divine Presence:** Sinai is described as the place where the **Lord is among them** [[Psalms 68:17]] and where God **came from** to shine upon His people [[Deuteronomy 33:2]]. It is where Moses's face **shone** after he **talked** with God [[Exodus 34:29]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5514}}` **Sinai** is not merely a geographical location but a foundational symbol in scripture. It represents the nexus of divine power, law, and covenant. As the mountain that **quaked** in God's presence and from which His **fiery law** was given, Sinai marks the definitive moment where God established the terms of His relationship with His chosen people, Israel. Its legacy endures as the place of divine revelation and the source of God's written **commandments**.
TRV