Topical Encyclopedia The term "Syrian" in the Bible generally refers to the people of Aram, a region located in present-day Syria. The Arameans, or Syrians, were a Semitic people who played a significant role in the history of Israel and the surrounding nations. The Bible frequently mentions the Syrians in the context of their interactions, both hostile and diplomatic, with the Israelites.Geographical Context The region of Aram, often synonymous with Syria in biblical texts, was situated to the northeast of Israel. Key cities included Damascus, which served as a major political and economic center. The Arameans were known for their influence in trade and military prowess, often clashing with neighboring kingdoms, including Israel. Historical Interactions with Israel The Syrians are first mentioned in the context of the patriarchs. In Genesis 25:20, Rebekah is described as "the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan-aram," indicating familial ties between the Israelites and the Arameans. This connection is further emphasized in Genesis 31:20, where Laban, Rebekah's brother, is called "Laban the Aramean." During the period of the united monarchy, King David engaged in military campaigns against the Syrians. In 2 Samuel 8:5-6 , it is recorded: "When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand men. Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute." The relationship between Israel and Syria was often tumultuous. The divided kingdom period saw frequent conflicts, particularly between the northern kingdom of Israel and the Aramean kingdom of Damascus. In 1 Kings 20, King Ahab of Israel fought against Ben-hadad, the king of Aram, in a series of battles. Despite initial defeats, the Israelites eventually triumphed, as recorded in 1 Kings 20:29-30 : "For seven days they camped opposite each other, and on the seventh day the battle was joined. And the Israelites struck down the Arameans—a hundred thousand foot soldiers in one day." Prophetic Interactions The prophets of Israel often spoke against the Syrians, pronouncing judgments due to their hostilities and idolatry. In Amos 1:3-5 , the prophet Amos declares: "This is what the LORD says: 'For three transgressions of Damascus, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they threshed Gilead with sledges of iron. So I will send fire upon the house of Hazael to consume the citadels of Ben-hadad. I will break down the gate of Damascus; I will cut off the ruler of the Valley of Aven and the one who wields the scepter in Beth-eden. The people of Aram will be exiled to Kir,' says the LORD." Cultural and Religious Influence The Syrians were known for their polytheistic beliefs, worshiping a pantheon of gods, with Hadad being one of the most prominent. This religious influence occasionally seeped into Israel, leading to periods of syncretism and idolatry among the Israelites, which the prophets vehemently opposed. New Testament References In the New Testament, the region of Syria is mentioned in the context of the early Christian church. In Acts 15:23, a letter is addressed to "the brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia," indicating the spread of Christianity into Syrian territories. Antioch, a major city in Syria, became a significant center for early Christian activity and missionary work. The term "Syrian" in the Bible encapsulates a complex relationship marked by conflict, cultural exchange, and eventual integration into the early Christian narrative. The Syrians, as neighbors to Israel, played a pivotal role in the historical and prophetic landscape of the biblical world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Of or pertaining to Syria; Syriac.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SYRIAN; LANGUAGEsir'-i-an (the King James Version SYRIAC). Greek 4948. Suros -- Syrian ... Syrian. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Suros Phonetic Spelling: (soo'-ros) Short Definition: Syrian Definition: Syrian, belonging to Syria. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4948.htm - 6k 3483b. Naiman -- Naaman, a Syrian 4581. Seleukeia -- Seleucia, a city of Syria 490. Antiocheia -- Antioch, the name of two cities 256b. Halphaios -- Alphaeus, the name of the fathers of two ... 3497. Neeman -- Naaman. Strong's Hebrew 7421. rammi -- Syrian... rammi. 7422 . Syrian. Transliteration: rammi Phonetic Spelling: (ram-mee') Short Definition: Syrian. ... Syrian For 'Arammiy; a Ramite, ie Aramaean -- Syrian. ... /hebrew/7421.htm - 5k 726. Aromim -- Syrian 2383. Chezyon -- "vision," an Aramean (Syrian) 1130. Ben-hadad -- "son of Hadad," the name of several Aramean ... 7331. Rezon -- an Aramean (Syrian) of Solomon's time 1909. Hadadezer -- "Hadad is help(er)," an Aramean (Syrian) king 7780. Shophak -- an Aramean (Syrian) general 7731. Shobak -- an Aramean (Syrian) general 7340. Rechob -- places in Aram (Syria) and Pal., also an Aramean ... 5283. Naaman -- a descendant of Benjamin, also an Aramean (Syrian) ... Library Hymns and Homilies of Ephraim the Syrian The Syrian Enrollment in 8 Bc The Syrian Persecution. First Part Ephraim the Syrian. I. --Summary of the Authenticated ... Naaman the Syrian and the Jordan. No Other Stream Has the Same ... Aetius, the Syrian, and Eudoxius, the Successor of Leontius in ... Of Aetius the Syrian, Teacher of Eunomius. Bardesanes the Syrian and his Extant Works. Letter ccliv. To Pelagius, Bishop of the Syrian Laodicea. Naaman the Syrian Thesaurus Syrian (12 Occurrences)... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SYRIAN; LANGUAGE. sir'-i-an (the King James Version SYRIAC). See SYRIAC VERSIONS. Multi-Version Concordance Syrian (12 Occurrences) ... /s/syrian.htm - 10k Aramean (17 Occurrences) Hadadezer (18 Occurrences) Naaman (19 Occurrences) Rimmon (22 Occurrences) Bethuel (10 Occurrences) Asmoneans Aram (130 Occurrences) Coney (2 Occurrences) Benhadad (24 Occurrences) Resources What is the Syriac/Syrian Orthodox Church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Antioch in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Naaman in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Syrian: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Syrian (12 Occurrences)Mark 7:26 Luke 4:27 Genesis 25:20 Genesis 28:5 Genesis 31:20 Genesis 31:24 Deuteronomy 26:5 2 Kings 5:20 2 Kings 18:26 1 Chronicles 7:14 Ezra 4:7 Daniel 2:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
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