### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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