plural of an otherwise unknown name; Sinim, a distant Oriental region; Sinim.
Transliteration:Çîynîym
Pronunciation:see-neem'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5515}}` (Çîynîym) is a plural form derived from an otherwise unknown singular root. Its fundamental meaning, as indicated by its lone biblical occurrence and subsequent interpretive tradition, points to a geographic region, specifically a distant land located to the east or south-east of ancient Israel. The Septuagint renders it as "land of the Persians" (γῆν Περσῶν), while the Vulgate offers "terra australis" (southern land). These ancient translations, though differing, agree on its designation as a remote territory. Modern scholarship often associates Çîynîym with China or a region within its historical sphere of influence, though this remains a scholarly hypothesis rather than a definitive identification. The semantic range is thus narrow, primarily denoting a far-off, significant nation or people group.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H5515}}` (Çîynîym) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Isaiah:
* [[Isaiah 49:12]]: "Behold, these shall come from afar, and behold, these from the north and from the west, and these from the land of Sinim."
In this prophetic passage, Isaiah speaks of the future restoration of Israel, where God will gather His people from all corners of the earth. The mention of "the land of Sinim" alongside "from afar," "from the north," and "from the west" emphasizes the global scope of this divine regathering. The context is one of universal salvation and the extension of God's redemptive power to the uttermost parts of the world. The inclusion of `{{H5515}}` highlights the breadth of the nations from which the exiles will return, underscoring the comprehensive nature of God's promise. It signifies a place so remote that its inhabitants would be among the most unlikely to return, yet God's power extends even there.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given the singular occurrence and the geographical nature of `{{H5515}}`, direct lexical relatives within the Hebrew Bible are scarce. However, it relates conceptually to:
* **Distant Lands/Peoples:** The Bible frequently refers to remote nations and peoples, often using terms like "ends of the earth" (e.g., [[Psalm 2:8]], [[Psalm 22:27]], [[Isaiah 45:22]]). `{{H5515}}` fits into this category, signifying the furthest reaches of the known world.
* **Regathering of Israel:** Concepts related to the ingathering of the exiles from all directions are prevalent in prophetic literature (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 30:3-4]], [[Jeremiah 31:8]], [[Ezekiel 36:24]]). `{{H5515}}` serves as a specific geographical example within this broader theme.
* **Nations (גּוֹיִם - goyim - `{{H1471}}`):** While not a direct synonym, `{{H5515}}` represents one of the "nations" or "gentiles" from which God's people will be drawn. The inclusion of such a distant land underscores the universal scope of God's plan for humanity.
* **Geographical Markers:** Other specific place names that denote distant or significant regions, such as Tarshish (`{{H8659}}`) or Seba (`{{H5434}}`), serve a similar function in biblical geography, illustrating the vastness of the world and God's dominion over it.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5515}}` (Çîynîym) lies primarily in its contribution to the universal scope of God's redemptive plan.
1. **Divine Omnipresence and Power:** The mention of a land as remote as Sinim underscores that no place is beyond the reach of God's power and sovereignty. His ability to gather His people from such a far-off region demonstrates His absolute control over all creation and all human affairs.
2. **Universal Salvation and Ingathering:** In [[Isaiah 49]], the promise is not merely for a local return but a global restoration. The inclusion of `{{H5515}}` signifies that God's covenant faithfulness extends to the very ends of the earth, encompassing all peoples and places from which His chosen ones might be scattered. It prefigures the New Testament understanding of the gospel reaching "all nations" ([[Matthew 28:19]]).
3. **Hope for the Scattered:** For the exiles hearing Isaiah's prophecy, the mention of `{{H5515}}` would have offered immense hope. Even if they felt lost in the most distant and unknown lands, God knew where they were and promised to bring them home. This speaks to God's meticulous care for His people, regardless of their dispersion.
4. **Mystery and Sovereignty:** The precise identity of Sinim remains a mystery, yet its inclusion is deliberate. This mystery itself can point to God's sovereignty over the unknown and the future. He knows the "ends of the earth," even if humanity does not fully comprehend them.
### Summary
The Hebrew term `{{H5515}}` (Çîynîym) refers to a distant, eastern or southeastern land, possibly ancient China, appearing uniquely in [[Isaiah 49:12]]. Its singular occurrence within the biblical text positions it as a geographical marker denoting the furthest reaches of the world known to ancient Israel. Contextually, `{{H5515}}` serves to emphasize the comprehensive and global nature of God's promised regathering of His people from exile. Theologically, its significance is profound: it powerfully illustrates God's boundless power and omnipresence, His commitment to a universal plan of salvation that extends to the uttermost parts of the earth, and His meticulous care for His scattered people, assuring them that no place is beyond His reach or knowledge. `{{H5515}}` thus stands as a testament to the all-encompassing scope of divine redemption.
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