The Hebrew word Shômrônîy, represented by H8118, is a patrial term for a Shomeronite, or collectively, the inhabitants of Shomeron known as the Samaritans. This word appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, identifying a specific people by their geographical origin.
The singular biblical appearance of H8118 occurs in a narrative describing the actions of foreign nations that were settled in the region of Samaria. The text states that every nation made H6213 their own gods H430 and put H3240 them in the "houses of the high places" which the Samaritans had established 2 Kings 17:29. In this context, the term is used to identify the original builders of these worship sites, which were then co-opted for further idolatry by the new inhabitants.
Several related words from its only context clarify the meaning of this passage:
- H1116 bâmâh (an elevation; height, high place, wave): This term identifies the specific locations of worship made H6213 by the Samaritans. These high places were elevations for religious purposes which, in this case, were repurposed by other nations for their idols 2 Kings 17:29. Such sites are often associated with judgment and were commanded to be plucked down Numbers 33:52.
- H6213 ʻâsâh (a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application): This verb appears twice in the verse, signifying acts of creation. The Samaritans had made the high places, and the foreign nations in turn made their own gods to place there 2 Kings 17:29. This word is used for both divine creation and human action (Jeremiah 32:17, Micah 6:8).
- H430 ʼĕlôhîym (plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used...of the supreme God): In this passage, the term refers to the false gods created by the foreign nations 2 Kings 17:29. This stands in sharp contrast to its primary use for the one true God, who created the heavens and the earth Genesis 1:1.
- H1471 gôwy (a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile): This word describes the groups who inhabited the Samaritan cities and made their own gods. The actions of these foreign nations are central to the narrative in 2 Kings 17:29.
The theological weight of H8118 is derived entirely from its specific context.
- Legacy of Illicit Worship: The term is introduced in a setting where the works of the Samaritans—the high places H1116 they built—become the foundation for further idolatry by other peoples. This establishes a theme of a legacy of corrupted worship practices 2 Kings 17:29.
- Syncretism and Foreign Influence: The narrative highlights the behavior of foreign nations H1471 who dwelt H3427 in Samaritan cities. Their act of making their own gods H430 and placing them in existing worship sites demonstrates a blending of religious practices, a key concern throughout the biblical narrative.
- The Proliferation of Idolatry: The passage shows how one group's unauthorized worship sites can be adopted and amplified by others. The Samaritans built the infrastructure, and every nation that followed added its own pagan deities to these locations 2 Kings 17:29.
In summary, the word Shômrônîy H8118 provides a narrow but potent definition of the Samaritans within its single biblical appearance. It is not used to describe their beliefs or daily life, but to identify them as the people who constructed the high places that became centers for idolatry. The term's significance is therefore tied directly to the themes of improper worship and the establishment of religious sites that were ultimately used by foreign nations in defiance of God.
TRV