King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 3:9 Mean?

Deuteronomy 3:9 in the King James Version says “( Which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;)” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“( Which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;)”

Deuteronomy 3:9 · KJV

Context

7

But all the cattle, and the spoil of the cities, we took for a prey to ourselves.

8

And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that was on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;

9

( Which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;)

10

All the cities of the plain, and all Gilead, and all Bashan, unto Salchah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan.

11

For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
(Which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;) This parenthetical note provides geographical and linguistic detail about Mount Hermon, demonstrating Moses' comprehensive knowledge of the region Israel would inherit. The Hebrew word Siryon (שִׂרְיֹן) means "breastplate" or "coat of mail," possibly referencing the mountain's snow-covered appearance resembling shining armor. The Amorite name Senir (שְׂנִיר) appears in Deuteronomy 3:9 and is referenced in Song of Solomon 4:8 and 1 Chronicles 5:23.

Mount Hermon, standing at 9,232 feet, marks the northern boundary of Israel's conquest east of the Jordan (Deuteronomy 3:8). Its multiple names reflect the diverse peoples inhabiting the region—Sidonians (Phoenicians) to the northwest, Amorites to the south and east. This linguistic detail serves several purposes: it establishes precise geographical boundaries, demonstrates the historical reliability of Moses' account, and reminds Israel that God was giving them land inhabited by powerful nations with distinct cultures and languages.

The inclusion of various names also emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Israel's victory over Og king of Bashan (Deuteronomy 3:1-11). The territory from Mount Hermon southward represented significant conquest—these weren't obscure lands but regions known by multiple names across different peoples, indicating their importance and Israel's thoroughgoing victory through God's power.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mount Hermon forms the southern end of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range, approximately 28 miles long. Its snow-capped peak (snow remains year-round) feeds the Jordan River and numerous springs, making it crucial for the region's water supply. The mountain's prominence made it a significant landmark in ancient geography and a site for Canaanite worship of Baal (judges by archaeological evidence).

The conquest of this region occurred around 1406 BC during Israel's defeat of the Amorite kings Sihon and Og (Numbers 21:21-35; Deuteronomy 2:24-3:11). Og king of Bashan ruled the territory including Mount Hermon, and his defeat gave Israel control of the Transjordan highlands. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh received this territory as their inheritance (Deuteronomy 3:12-17).

The multiple names for Hermon appear in ancient Near Eastern texts, confirming the historical accuracy of Moses' account. The Sidonians (Phoenicians) called it Sirion, mentioned in Ugaritic texts. The Amorite name Senir appears in Assyrian records. This demonstrates that the biblical text preserves authentic ancient geographical knowledge, not later legendary material. Mount Hermon later became the traditional site for Jesus' transfiguration, though the exact location is uncertain (Matthew 17:1-9).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's attention to geographical and historical detail demonstrate His concern for real-world, concrete reality?
  2. What does Israel's conquest of territories with multiple names and diverse peoples teach about God's sovereignty over nations?
  3. How should believers view the intersection of biblical faith and historical, geographical, and archaeological evidence?
  4. What spiritual significance does Mount Hermon's role as a boundary marker hold for understanding God's promises?
  5. How does this verse's inclusion of seemingly minor details encourage confidence in Scripture's reliability?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
צִֽידֹנִ֛ים1 of 8

“the Sidonians”

H6722

a tsidonian or inhabitant of tsidon

יִקְרְאוּ2 of 8

“call”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לְחֶרְמ֖וֹן3 of 8

“Which Hermon”

H2768

chermon, a mount of palestine

שִׂרְיֹ֑ן4 of 8

“Sirion”

H8303

shirjon or sirjon, a peak of the lebanon

וְהָ֣אֱמֹרִ֔י5 of 8

“and the Amorites”

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

יִקְרְאוּ6 of 8

“call”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

ל֖וֹ7 of 8
H0
שְׂנִֽיר׃8 of 8

“it Shenir”

H8149

shenir or senir, a summit of lebanon

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 3:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 3:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 5:23Psalms 29:6Song of Solomon 4:8Ezekiel 27:5Psalms 133:3Psalms 89:12

Places in This Verse

Mount HermonMountain · Modern: Mount Hermon · 33.40°N, 35.85°E16 verses across 6 books
SenirMountain · Modern: Mount Hermon · 33.40°N, 35.85°E4 verses across 4 books
View all places in Deuteronomy 3 →

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