from שָׁמַר in the original sense of pricking; a thorn; also (from its keenness for scratching) a gem, probably the diamond; adamant (stone), brier, diamond.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shâmîyr**, represented by `{{H8068}}`, is a term rooted in the idea of being sharp or prickly. It appears **11 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. Based on this core sense of keenness, it carries two distinct meanings: it can refer to a **brier** or **thorn**, or it can describe an extremely hard gem, likely a **diamond** or **adamant stone**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, **shâmîyr** is used to convey concepts of both desolation and hardness. As **briers**, it often appears alongside **thorns** `{{H7898}}` to signify land that has been judged and laid **waste** `{{H1326}}` [[Isaiah 5:6]]. This imagery depicts a reversal of blessing, where once-cultivated land becomes overgrown and useless [[Isaiah 7:24]]. As **adamant** or **diamond**, it metaphorically describes impenetrable hardness. The people of Israel made their **hearts** `{{H3820}}` like an **adamant stone** `{{H8068}}` so they could not **hear** `{{H8085}}` God's **law** `{{H8451}}` [[Zechariah 7:12]]. In contrast, God strengthens His prophet by making his forehead like **adamant** `{{H8068}}` to face a **rebellious** `{{H4805}}` people [[Ezekiel 3:9]]. The **sin** `{{H2403}}` of **Judah** `{{H3063}}` is described as being permanently **written** `{{H3789}}` with the **point** `{{H6856}}` of a **diamond** `{{H8068}}` [[Jeremiah 17:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of **shâmîyr**:
* `{{H7898}}` **shayith** (thorns): Defined as "scrub or trash... thorns," this word is almost always found alongside **shâmîyr** when it means **briers**. Together, they paint a picture of complete desolation and divine judgment upon the land [[Isaiah 9:18]].
* `{{H2389}}` **châzâq** (strong): This adjective, meaning "harder," highlights the unyielding quality of adamant. God makes Ezekiel's forehead "as an adamant **harder** than flint" [[Ezekiel 3:9]], providing him with divine fortitude.
* `{{H3820}}` **lêb** (heart): The metaphorical power of **shâmîyr** is often directed at the **heart**. A **heart** `{{H3820}}` can become like an adamant stone in its rebellion against God [[Zechariah 7:12]], or it can have sin permanently engraved upon it as if by a diamond [[Jeremiah 17:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8068}}` is demonstrated through its symbolic applications:
* **Symbol of Curse and Judgment:** As **briers**, the word is a direct sign of the consequences of disobedience. Productive land that becomes overrun with **briers** `{{H8068}}` and **thorns** `{{H7898}}` illustrates a land under a curse, its fruitfulness removed by God ([[Isaiah 5:6]], [[Isaiah 7:23]]). God's judgment by **fire** `{{H784}}` is also shown to **devour** `{{H398}}` them [[Isaiah 10:17]].
* **Metaphor for a Hardened Heart:** As an **adamant stone**, **shâmîyr** represents willful, impenetrable rebellion. The people's refusal to listen to the **prophets** `{{H5030}}` is attributed to their hearts being hardened like adamant, which provokes the **LORD's** `{{H3068}}` **wrath** `{{H7110}}` [[Zechariah 7:12]].
* **Instrument of Divine Resolve and Permanence:** The hardness of **shâmîyr** can also serve God's purpose. It is used to describe the indelible nature of Judah's **sin** `{{H2403}}`, **written** `{{H3789}}` as with a **diamond** [[Jeremiah 17:1]]. Positively, it represents the unshakeable resolve God gives his servants, such as when he makes Ezekiel's forehead like **adamant** to face opposition [[Ezekiel 3:9]].
### Summary
In summary, **shâmîyr** `{{H8068}}` is a powerful word with a dual identity rooted in sharpness. It can be the worthless **brier** that overruns a cursed land or the priceless, unbreakable **diamond** used to illustrate hardness. This duality makes it a versatile theological term, effectively communicating concepts of divine judgment, the unyielding rebellion of the human heart, and the steadfast resolve imparted by God.
TRV