### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Çeneh**, represented by `{{H5573}}`, is the proper name for **a crag in Palestine**. According to its definition, the name itself means thorn. It appears just **1 time** in **1 verse**, marking it as a highly specific geographical landmark in the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H5573}}` is in the narrative of Jonathan's daring raid against a Philistine garrison. The account in [[1 Samuel 14:4]] describes the terrain, noting that between the passages Jonathan sought to cross, there were two prominent rocks. One was named Bozez, "and the name of the other **Seneh**." This places `{{H5573}}` as a specific, named feature of the landscape that defined the strategic path of a key military event.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of **Seneh** is further defined by several related Hebrew words used in the same passage:
* `{{H5553}}` **çelaʻ** (a craggy rock): This is the general term for the rock formation of which Seneh is a specific example. In [[1 Samuel 14:4]], Seneh is identified as a "sharp **rock**." This word is also used figuratively for God as a source of strength and a fortress [[Psalms 18:2]].
* `{{H8127}}` **shên** (a tooth, a cliff, crag, sharp): This word, literally meaning "tooth," is used to describe the rock Seneh as **sharp**. It figuratively denotes a cliff or crag, emphasizing the formidable and pointed nature of the rock that Jonathan had to navigate [[1 Samuel 14:4]].
* `{{H4569}}` **maʻăbâr** (a crossing-place, a pass, passage): This term describes the location where Seneh is found. Jonathan had to go "between the **passages**" which were flanked by the two rocks [[1 Samuel 14:4]]. This word is also used for mountain passes and river fords, such as the fords of the Jordan [[Judges 3:28]].
### Theological Significance
While not a theological term, the narrative significance of `{{H5573}}` is clear from its context.
* **Strategic Landmark:** Seneh is not an anonymous feature but a named landmark. It serves as a geographical anchor, giving specificity and reality to the setting of Jonathan's courageous act [[1 Samuel 14:4]].
* **Symbol of Obstruction:** Described as a "sharp rock," Seneh, along with its counterpart Bozez, represents the natural obstacles and dangers inherent in the passage Jonathan chose. It highlights the difficulty of his mission against the Philistines.
* **A Point of Passage:** The crag marks a critical **passage** that must be crossed to engage the enemy. Its location frames the narrative, underscoring that this was the path to a pivotal confrontation and victory for Israel [[1 Samuel 14:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5573}}` **Çeneh** is the proper name of a specific crag mentioned once in Scripture. It functions as a precise geographical marker in the account of Jonathan's assault on the Philistines in [[1 Samuel 14:4]]. Understood alongside the words for "rock" (`çelaʻ`), "sharp" (`shên`), and "passage" (`maʻăbâr`), it illustrates how a unique place name can ground a historical narrative, emphasizing the challenges and strategic importance of a particular location.
TRV