from an unused root meaning to be brilliant; the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. (architectural) a notched battlement; [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shemesh**, represented by `{{H8121}}`, is the primary term for **the sun**. It appears 134 times across 127 unique verses, highlighting its importance in the biblical world. While its core meaning is the sun itself, it is also used by implication for **the east** (the direction of the sun's rising) and figuratively for brilliance or architectural elements.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8121}}` is used in several key contexts. Literally, it is the celestial body that provides light by day [[Jeremiah 31:35]] and marks the passage of time, from the "rising of the **sun** unto the going down of the same" [[Psalms 113:3]]. It is central to the miraculous event where Joshua commanded the **sun** to stand still [[Joshua 10:13]]. In prophetic warnings, the darkening of the **sun** signifies a day of divine judgment ([[Joel 2:31]], [[Amos 8:9]]). The phrase "under the **sun**" is used extensively in Ecclesiastes to describe the setting for all mortal human activity, labor, and vanity ([[Ecclesiastes 1:3]], [[Ecclesiastes 1:9]]). Scripture also warns against the idolatrous worship of the **sun** ([[Deuteronomy 4:19]], [[Ezekiel 8:16]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of the sun, light, and darkness:
* `{{H3394}}` **yârêach** (the moon): Often mentioned alongside the sun as a celestial body, it serves as a companion luminary in creation, prophecy, and praise. Both the **sun** and the **moon** are commanded to stand still in battle [[Joshua 10:12]] and are darkened during the day of the LORD [[Joel 2:31]].
* `{{H216}}` **ʼôwr** (light): The sun is the primary source of **light** in the natural world. God is described as giving the **sun** for a **light** by day [[Jeremiah 31:35]], and in the eschatological future, the LORD Himself will be an everlasting **light**, replacing the need for the **sun** [[Isaiah 60:19]].
* `{{H2224}}` **zârach** (to rise (as the sun)): This verb describes the action of the sun rising. It is used to depict the glory of those who love God, who are like the **sun** when it "riseth" in its might [[Judges 5:31]], and metaphorically for the "Sun of righteousness" who will "arise" with healing [[Malachi 4:2]].
* `{{H4217}}` **mizrâch** (sunrise, i.e. the east): This word for the east is directly derived from the sun's rising. God's name is to be praised from the **rising** of the **sun** [[Psalms 113:3]], a phrase denoting the entire world.
* `{{H3996}}` **mâbôwʼ** (sunset or the west): As the counterpart to the rising of the sun, this term denotes the west or the sun's setting. It is used to define the full extent of the earth, where God's name is praised from the sun's rising to its **going down** [[Psalms 113:3]].
* `{{H2822}}` **chôshek** (darkness): The direct opposite of the sun's light. Prophetic judgment often involves the **sun** being turned into **darkness** [[Joel 2:31]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8121}}` is significant, often serving as a metaphor for divine attributes and actions.
* **Symbol of God's Power:** God's absolute sovereignty is demonstrated by His creation of the **sun** [[Psalms 74:16]], His command over its movements [[Joshua 10:13]], and His ability to darken it as a sign of judgment [[Amos 8:9]].
* **Metaphor for God and the Messiah:** The LORD God is described as a **sun** and shield, the giver of grace and glory [[Psalms 84:11]]. In a messianic context, the "Sun of righteousness" will arise with healing for those who fear God's name [[Malachi 4:2]].
* **Promise of God's Enduring Kingdom:** The permanence of the **sun** is used as an analogy for the eternal nature of David's throne and seed [[Psalms 89:36]] and the endurance of the Messiah's name [[Psalms 72:17]].
* **Eschatological Light:** In the promised future, the physical **sun** will be superseded. The LORD Himself will become the everlasting light for His people, signaling an end to all mourning and darkness [[Isaiah 60:19-20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8121}}` is far more than a word for a celestial object. It is a cornerstone of biblical imagery, defining time, direction, and the scope of earthly existence. It functions as a powerful symbol of God's creative might, His covenant faithfulness, and His ultimate judgment, while pointing toward a future where God Himself will be the brilliant and everlasting light for His people, surpassing the glory of the sun itself.
TRV