### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shâneh**, represented by `{{H8141}}`, is the primary term for **year**. It appears 875 times in 647 unique verses, establishing it as a fundamental concept for measuring time in the scriptures. Its definition, "a year (as a revolution of time)," points to its role in marking seasons, ages, and significant periods throughout biblical history.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8141}}` is used in several key contexts. From the beginning, it defines the rhythm of creation, with God establishing lights in the sky for "days, and **years**" [[Genesis 1:14]]. It is the standard measure for human lifespans, from the long lives of the patriarchs like Adam [[Genesis 5:5]] to the "threescore **years** and ten" that define a typical human life [[Psalms 90:10]]. The word is also critical for prophetic timelines, such as the seventy **years** of desolation for Jerusalem prophesied by Jeremiah [[Daniel 9:2]]. Finally, it structures Israel's religious and civil life through annual feasts, the sabbatical **year** of release, and the **year** of Jubilee ([[Deuteronomy 16:16]], [[Leviticus 25:10]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader context for the measurement of time:
* `{{H3117}}` **yôwm** (a day): As the basic unit of time, it appears alongside **shâneh** to structure creation and measure life. God ordained lights to separate the **day** from the night and to be for seasons, days, and **years** [[Genesis 1:14]].
* `{{H2320}}` **chôdesh** (a month): This word, meaning "new moon" or "month," divides the **year** into smaller cycles. It is often used to date specific events, as in the "thirtieth **year**, in the fourth **month**" when Ezekiel received his vision [[Ezekiel 1:1]].
* `{{H1755}}` **dôwr** (generation): This term extends the concept of time beyond individual **years** to encompass ages and posterities. Scripture encourages believers to "consider the **years** of many **generations**" to understand God's work in history [[Deuteronomy 32:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8141}}` is significant, highlighting God's sovereignty over time and history.
* **Divine Order:** The establishment of the **year** in creation demonstrates God's role as the author of order and rhythm in the universe. He is the one who "crownest the **year** with thy goodness" [[Psalms 65:11]].
* **Redemptive Timeline:** God's plan of redemption is often revealed within specific spans of **years**. This includes the seventy **years** of exile followed by restoration and the proclamation of the "acceptable **year** of the LORD" ([[Jeremiah 29:10]], [[Isaiah 61:2]]).
* **Human Mortality:** The counting of **years** serves as a constant reminder of human frailty and the brevity of life in contrast to God's eternal nature. Moses reflects that the **years** of life are few and filled with labor and sorrow [[Psalms 90:10]], while the number of God's **years** cannot be searched out [[Job 36:26]].
* **Covenant Framework:** The **year** provides the structure for Israel's covenant relationship with God, marking times for worship, rest, and release, such as the sabbatical **year** and the **year** of Jubilee ([[Leviticus 25:10]], [[Deuteronomy 15:9]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8141}}` is far more than a simple chronological marker. It is a foundational element in scripture that illustrates God's ordered creation, the framework for his prophetic and redemptive plans, and the finite nature of human existence. From the annual harvest to the great ages of history, the concept of the **year** reveals a world operating under the sovereign hand of God.