or סַלּוֹן; from סָלָה; a prickle (as if pendulous); brier, thorn.
Transliteration:çillôwn
Pronunciation:sil-lone'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word çillôwn (`{{H5544}}`), also appearing as sallôwn, is defined as a "prickle (as if pendulous)," "brier," or "thorn." Its etymological root is sālāh (`{{H5541}}`), which carries the primary meaning "to lift up, cast up, make a highway." This connection suggests that çillôwn refers to a sharp, projecting element, perhaps emphasizing its upward or outward thrust, which characterizes a thorn or brier that can snag or pierce. The "pendulous" aspect in the definition might allude to a hanging or drooping quality that still presents a sharp hazard. Semantically, çillôwn is exclusively used to describe a physical plant characteristic, a sharp, pointed projection capable of causing injury or obstruction. Unlike some other Hebrew words for "thorn," its usage does not explicitly extend to metaphorical representations of trouble or difficulty in the provided definition, though its contextual usage clearly implies such.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word çillôwn (`{{H5544}}`) has a singular, yet potent, occurrence in the Hebrew Bible, found exclusively in [[Ezekiel 28:24]]. In this verse, the Lord declares concerning the house of Israel: "No longer will there be a brier (çillôwn) to prick them or a painful thorn (qôwts) to torment them from any of their neighbors who despise them. Then they will know that I am the Lord God."
The context is profoundly prophetic, speaking to a future era of peace and security for Israel. Here, çillôwn is coupled with qôwts (`{{H6975}}`), another common Hebrew word for "thorn" or "thistle," which frequently carries metaphorical weight for affliction or trouble. This pairing intensifies the imagery, portraying the hostile surrounding nations not merely as enemies, but as constant, irritating, and painful sources of harassment, much like persistent briers and thorns that inflict repeated injury. The verse promises the removal of these oppressive elements, signifying a complete cessation of external torment and a secure dwelling for God's people. The use of çillôwn highlights the persistent, nagging, and injurious nature of the affliction Israel endured from its despising neighbors.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other Hebrew words convey similar concepts to çillôwn (`{{H5544}}`), often used interchangeably or in parallel to describe thorns, briers, or their metaphorical implications:
* qôwts (`{{H6975}}`): The most direct parallel, appearing alongside çillôwn in [[Ezekiel 28:24]]. qôwts is more frequent and widely used for both literal thorns and metaphorical troubles (e.g., [[Numbers 33:55]], [[Joshua 23:13]]).
* shamîr (`{{H8068}}`): Denotes "thorn," "brier," or "thorn bush," often associated with desolation or irritation (e.g., [[Isaiah 5:6]], [[Isaiah 7:23-25]]).
* barqanîm (`{{H1263}}`): Refers to "thorns" or "briers," notably used as instruments of punishment in [[Judges 8:7]], [[Judges 8:16]].
* chedeq (`{{H2312}}`): Means "brier" or "thorn," used metaphorically for oppressive individuals in [[Micah 7:4]].
Conceptually, çillôwn and its related terms link to broader biblical themes:
* **Obstruction and Difficulty:** Thorns are inherent impediments, representing the hardships and challenges of life.
* **Divine Judgment and Curse:** The proliferation of thorns and thistles is a direct consequence of the curse on creation in [[Genesis 3:18]], symbolizing the toil and pain of a fallen world.
* **Oppression and Harassment:** As seen in [[Ezekiel 28:24]], thorns vividly represent the persistent and painful harassment inflicted by hostile entities, a common motif in prophetic warnings and promises of deliverance.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of çillôwn (`{{H5544}}`) in [[Ezekiel 28:24]] carries profound theological weight.
* **The Nature of Affliction:** The word vividly portrays the character of Israel's affliction from its neighbors: it is not merely destructive but persistently irritating, painful, and designed to torment, much like a brier that constantly snags and pricks. This highlights the insidious and pervasive nature of the opposition faced by God's people.
* **Divine Promise of Deliverance:** Crucially, çillôwn appears within a divine promise of future deliverance. God pledges to remove these "briers" and "painful thorns," signifying His sovereign power to bring an end to all sources of external torment and secure His people in their land. This promise underscores God's active involvement in the history and destiny of Israel.
* **God's Faithfulness and Justice:** The removal of çillôwn demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His justice in dealing with those who despise and afflict His chosen nation. It points to a time when divine order will be fully established, and Israel will dwell in peace, undisturbed by hostile forces.
* **Anticipation of Full Redemption:** While the immediate context is geopolitical, the imagery of removing çillôwn and qôwts resonates with the broader biblical narrative of redemption. It foreshadows a future state of perfect peace and security, ultimately pointing to the eschatological removal of all pain, suffering, and opposition that stem from a fallen world, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" [[Revelation 21:4]].
### Summary
The Hebrew word çillôwn (`{{H5544}}`), meaning "prickle," "brier," or "thorn," though occurring only once in the biblical text, provides a potent image. In [[Ezekiel 28:24]], it powerfully describes the persistent, irritating, and tormenting nature of Israel's hostile neighbors. Its pairing with qôwts (`{{H6975}}`) amplifies the sense of constant affliction. The theological significance lies in its context: a divine promise of future deliverance, where God pledges to remove these "briers" and "painful thorns" from His people. This highlights God's sovereign power to bring an end to all sources of suffering and His unwavering faithfulness to establish perfect peace and security for His chosen nation. Çillôwn thus serves as a vivid metaphor for the oppressive forces that assail God's people, and its promised removal is a testament to the Lord's ultimate triumph and protective care.
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