### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term סִרְיֹן (çiryôn, `{{H5630}}`) functions as a substantive, denoting a piece of defensive military equipment. Its base definition, as provided, indicates "a coat of mail" or "brigandine." The entry explicitly states that it is a variant form of שִׁרְיוֹן (shiryôn, `{{H8302}}`), which carries the same core meaning. This type of armor was designed to protect the torso, typically consisting of overlapping plates or rings of metal, providing substantial defense against blows and projectiles in ancient warfare. The semantic range is thus narrow, focusing precisely on this specific piece of protective gear, emphasizing its weight, strength, and the formidable nature it conveyed upon its wearer.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term סִרְיֹן (çiryôn, `{{H5630}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the dramatic account of David and Goliath:
* [[1 Samuel 17:5]]: "And he had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze."
In this sole occurrence, סִרְיֹן describes the formidable body armor worn by Goliath, the Philistine champion. The context is crucial: the narrative emphasizes the overwhelming physical might and extensive armament of Goliath, contrasting sharply with the young, unarmored David. The immense weight specified—five thousand shekels of bronze (approximately 125 pounds or 57 kilograms)—underscores the extraordinary strength required to bear such armor and highlights Goliath's terrifying presence. The "coat of mail" here is not merely a descriptive detail but a symbol of the seemingly insurmountable challenge that David faced, a challenge that could not be met by conventional military means or human strength. It sets the stage for the demonstration of divine power through David.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the primary form from which סִרְיֹן (çiryôn, `{{H5630}}`) is derived: שִׁרְיוֹן (shiryôn, `{{H8302}}`). This more common term appears in various contexts, consistently referring to a coat of mail or breastplate, often as part of a complete set of armor (e.g., [[1 Kings 22:34]], [[2 Chronicles 18:33]], [[Isaiah 59:17]], [[Jeremiah 46:4]]).
Other related Hebrew terms for defensive equipment include:
* מָגֵן (magen, `{{H4043}}`): shield, buckler, often smaller and round.
* צִנָּה (tsinnah, `{{H6793}}`): large shield, typically covering the entire body.
* קוֹבַע (qowa', `{{H6935}}`): helmet.
* אֶדֶר (eder, `{{H145}}`): often translated as "armor" in a general sense, though its precise meaning can vary.
Conceptually, the word relates to themes of:
* **Warfare and Military Preparedness:** It is an essential component of ancient combat.
* **Protection and Defense:** The primary function of armor.
* **Human Strength and Reliance:** The presence of such heavy armor often signifies reliance on physical might and human ingenuity in battle. This stands in contrast to divine protection.
* **Vulnerability:** Despite the armor, the wearer remains vulnerable to divine judgment or a divinely empowered opponent.
### Theological Significance
While סִרְיֹן (çiryôn, `{{H5630}}`) itself is a specific and rare term, its singular appearance in the Goliath narrative imbues it with significant theological resonance. Goliath's massive coat of mail represents the pinnacle of human military technology and might. In the biblical narrative, particularly in the encounter with David, this physical defense is rendered utterly impotent in the face of God's power. David, unburdened by such heavy armor and relying solely on the Lord, demonstrates that victory comes not by human strength or impressive armaments, but by divine enablement ([[1 Samuel 17:47]]). The "coat of mail" becomes a symbol of the futility of trusting in worldly power when confronted with the will of God.
This concept extends to broader biblical theology, where God is often depicted as the ultimate shield and protector of His people (e.g., [[Psalm 3:3]], [[Psalm 18:2]]). The New Testament further develops the metaphor of spiritual armor in Ephesians 6, where believers are exhorted to put on the "full armor of God" (e.g., "breastplate of righteousness," `{{G2379}}`). While the specific Hebrew term סִרְיֹן is not directly referenced, the underlying concept of protective covering, whether physical or spiritual, against opposing forces is deeply embedded in biblical thought. The Goliath narrative, featuring the çiryôn, serves as a powerful Old Testament example of the contrast between reliance on visible, material defenses and reliance on the invisible, omnipotent God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word סִרְיֹן (çiryôn, `{{H5630}}`) is a rare term, a variant of שִׁרְיוֹן (shiryôn, `{{H8302}}`), specifically denoting a "coat of mail" or "brigandine"—a heavy piece of body armor. Its single occurrence in the biblical text is found in [[1 Samuel 17:5]], where it describes the formidable, bronze coat of mail worn by the Philistine giant Goliath. The immense weight of this armor is highlighted, emphasizing Goliath's physical dominance. Theologically, the presence of this impressive human defense in the narrative serves to underscore the radical contrast with David's unarmored state and his reliance on God. The defeat of Goliath, despite his impenetrable çiryôn, powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that victory in the Lord's battles comes not through human strength or material armaments, but through divine power and faithfulness.
TRV