Deuteronomy 3:9 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 3:9 mean?

Deuteronomy 3:9 explains that the mountain called Hermon was known by different names to different peoples: the Sidonians called it Sirion, and the Amorites called it Shenir. This verse highlights the various local names for the same prominent mountain in the region.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as he recounts their journey and the lands they encountered before entering Canaan. By mentioning the different names—Hermon, Sirion, and Shenir—Moses helps his listeners understand that these names all refer to the same mountain, which was well known to neighboring peoples. This detail would have helped the Israelites recognize the territory being described, especially since local names could differ depending on the group.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 3:9

• חֶרְמוֹן (Hermon, transliteration: ḥermon): This is the Hebrew name for the mountain, which means "devoted" or "consecrated." It was a significant landmark in the northern part of the land.
• שִׁדֹנִים (Sidonians, transliteration: ṣidonim): This word refers to the people of Sidon, a major Phoenician city. Their use of a different name for Hermon shows the cultural diversity of the region.
• שִׂרְיֹן (Sirion, transliteration: siryon): This is the Sidonian name for Hermon. The verse notes this to clarify that different groups had their own terms for the same place.
• אֱמֹרִי (Amorites, transliteration: ʾemori): The Amorites were another group living in the region, and their naming of Hermon as Shenir reflects their own language and traditions.
• שְׁנִיר (Shenir, transliteration: shenir): This is the Amorite name for Hermon. By listing these names, the verse shows the mountain’s importance across different cultures.

Why Deuteronomy 3:9 matters

• Deuteronomy 3:9 clears up possible confusion for readers who might encounter different names for Mount Hermon in other parts of the Bible or in local traditions.
• The verse emphasizes the broad recognition and significance of Hermon as a landmark, showing its importance not just to Israel but to neighboring peoples as well.
• By including these details, Moses connects the Israelites’ story to the wider world around them, helping them—and later readers—understand the shared geography and history of the region.