the same as סְנֶה; thorn; Seneh, a crag in Palestine; Seneh.
Transliteration:Çeneh
Pronunciation:seh-neh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma סֶנֶה (Çeneh), Strong's number `{{H5573}}`, carries a dual semantic range, rooted in its etymological connection to thorny vegetation. At its most basic, it refers to a "thorn" or "bush," particularly a thorny bush. This primary meaning is closely tied to the related lemma סְנֶה (Çeneh), Strong's number `{{H5572}}`, which famously designates the "burning bush" in the book of Exodus. However, `{{H5573}}` specifically functions as a proper noun, identifying a geographical feature: "Seneh," a crag or sharp rock in ancient Palestine. Thus, its semantic scope encompasses both the botanical concept of a thorny plant and the topographical designation of a jagged, prominent rock formation, likely named for its resemblance to thorny protuberances or for the thorny vegetation that grew upon it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The lemma סֶנֶה (Çeneh), `{{H5573}}`, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[1 Samuel 14:4]]: "And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines' garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh."
In this sole occurrence, Seneh is identified as one of two prominent, sharp rocks (the other being Bozez) that formed a narrow, treacherous passage. This geographical feature was strategically significant, lying between Michmash and Geba, and serving as a formidable natural barrier that Jonathan, son of King Saul, had to navigate in his daring assault on the Philistine garrison. The description "sharp rock" (literally "tooth of a rock") aligns well with the root meaning of "thorn" or "jagged point," suggesting a rugged, difficult, and potentially dangerous terrain. The naming of such a prominent and challenging rock as "Seneh" reinforces the imagery of a place characterized by sharp, piercing, or entangled features, much like a thorn bush. The context highlights a moment of military vulnerability and courageous faith, where the natural landscape, including the crag Seneh, played a critical role in the unfolding of divine providence through human action.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to סֶנֶה (Çeneh), `{{H5573}}`, is its near-identical counterpart, סְנֶה (Çeneh), `{{H5572}}`. While `{{H5573}}` functions as a proper noun for a geographical location, `{{H5572}}` is the common noun used to describe the "bush" from which God spoke to Moses in [[Exodus 3:2-4]] and [[Deuteronomy 33:16]]. The shared root and near-identical spelling strongly suggest a common etymological origin related to a thorny or scrubby plant.
Beyond this direct linguistic link, the concept of "Seneh" as a crag relates to other biblical terms for difficult terrain, such as צּוּר (tsur, `{{H6697}}`, "rock, cliff") or סֶלַע (sela', `{{H5553}}`, "crag, rock"). These terms often denote places of refuge, strategic advantage, or challenging obstacles. The "thorn" aspect of its root also connects it to broader biblical imagery of thorns and thistles (e.g., קוֹץ, qots, `{{H6975}}`), which often symbolize the curse upon the ground ([[Genesis 3:18]]), hardship, danger, or the ephemeral nature of worldly things. However, the unique significance of "Seneh" lies in its dual connection to both a physical obstacle and, by etymological extension, to a site of divine revelation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Seneh (`{{H5573}}`) is primarily derived from its close etymological relationship with the "burning bush" (`{{H5572}}`), which is a pivotal theological symbol. While the crag Seneh in [[1 Samuel 14:4]] is a geographical marker in a battle narrative, its name subtly evokes the profound encounter at Mount Horeb.
The "bush" (סְנֶה, `{{H5572}}`) that burned yet was not consumed ([[Exodus 3:2]]) represents God's holy presence, His unapproachable yet accessible nature, and His enduring power. It is the site of Moses' call, the revelation of God's covenant name YHWH, and the initiation of Israel's deliverance. The fact that the crag in 1 Samuel bears a name so intimately linked to this sacred encounter is noteworthy. It suggests that even in the midst of human conflict, strategic maneuvers, and challenging landscapes, the divine hand is at work. The "thorny" nature implied by the name Seneh could also subtly point to the humble or seemingly insignificant vessels (like a common bush or a dangerous crag) through which God chooses to manifest His power and purpose. Just as God met Moses in a humble bush in the wilderness, so too does He work through and within the rugged realities of human existence, guiding His people through "thorny" paths and dangerous passages. The crag Seneh thus becomes a silent witness to God's continued involvement in the lives of His people, even in the midst of their struggles and battles.
### Summary
The Hebrew word סֶנֶה (Çeneh), `{{H5573}}`, is a proper noun referring to a specific geographical feature: a sharp crag or rock in Palestine. Its single biblical occurrence in [[1 Samuel 14:4]] identifies it as a strategic landmark in Jonathan's daring military maneuver against the Philistines. Etymologically, Seneh is deeply connected to the word for "bush" or "thorn bush," particularly the "burning bush" (סְנֶה, `{{H5572}}`) from which God spoke to Moses. This connection imbues the name of the crag with a subtle but profound theological resonance. While Seneh in 1 Samuel is a physical obstacle overcome by faith, its name implicitly links it to the foundational revelation of God's holy presence and power, suggesting that divine providence is at work even in the challenging and "thorny" landscapes of human experience.
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