### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼĂrôwmîy**, represented by `{{H726}}`, is defined as a clerical error for `{{H130}}` ʼĔdômîy, meaning an Edomite or Syrian. This unique term appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its significance comes not from a broad meaning, but from its specific context and the textual questions it raises.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H726}}` is in [[2 Kings 16:6]], which details a military event. In this passage, Rezin, the king of Syria, recaptures the city of Elath. The verse states that the **Syrians** `{{H726}}` then came and occupied the city. The context is a conflict where King Rezin of Syria reclaimed territory and drove out the Jewish inhabitants, replacing them with the people identified by this specific word.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H726}}` is illuminated by its relationship to other words in its immediate context:
* `{{H130}}` **ʼĔdômîy** (an Edomite): This is the word for which `{{H726}}` is considered a clerical error. The possibility that the text should read "Edomites" instead of "Syrians" is noted in the margins of [[2 Kings 16:6]], pointing to a known textual variant.
* `{{H7526}}` **Rᵉtsîyn** (Rezin): The name of the Syrian king who led the campaign to recover Elath [[2 Kings 16:6]]. His actions provide the sole narrative context for the use of `{{H726}}`.
* `{{H758}}` **ʼĂrâm** (Aram or Syria, and its inhabitants): This identifies the kingdom ruled by Rezin and the nationstate involved in the conflict over Elath [[2 Kings 16:6]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This title designates the authority of Rezin in the event described, highlighting his role as a national leader in the conflict [[2 Kings 16:6]].
* `{{H6256}}` **ʻêth** (time): This word establishes the specific moment of the event, grounding the occurrence of `{{H726}}` at a particular point in history: "At that **time**" [[2 Kings 16:6]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H726}}` is primarily textual rather than theological. It offers insight into the transmission of the biblical text and specific historical events.
* **Scribal Error:** The primary point of interest for `{{H726}}` is its status as a likely scribal mistake for `{{H130}}`, 'Edomite'. This highlights the reality of textual variations in ancient manuscripts.
* **Historical Ambiguity:** The confusion between 'Syrian' `{{H726}}` and 'Edomite' `{{H130}}` creates a point of historical discussion regarding which group actually resettled Elath after the Jews were driven out by King Rezin.
* **Narrative Specificity:** The word is exclusively tied to the actions of **Rezin** `{{H7526}}`, the **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Syria** `{{H758}}`, during the conflict recorded in [[2 Kings 16:6]]. Its meaning is entirely dependent on this single verse.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H726}}` **ʼĂrôwmîy** is a rare word whose importance is found in its singularity. Appearing just once, it is widely held to be a clerical error for `{{H130}}`, meaning 'Edomite'. Its sole use in [[2 Kings 16:6]] locks its meaning to a specific military action by the Syrian king Rezin. Therefore, `{{H726}}` serves less as a word with deep theological meaning and more as a fascinating example of textual history and a specific point of ambiguity in the biblical record.
TRV