Lexical Summary oreinos: Mountainous, hilly Original Word: ὀρεινός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hill country. From oros; mountainous, i.e. (feminine by implication, of chora) the Highlands (of Judaea) -- hill country. see GREEK oros see GREEK chora NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom oros Definition mountainous, the hill country NASB Translation hill country (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3714: ὀρεινόςὀρεινός, ὀρεινῇ, ὀρεινόν (ὄρος), mountainous, hilly; ἡ ὀρεινῇ (WH ὀρινη, see Iota) namely, χώρα (cf. Winers Grammar, 591 (550)) (which is added in Herodotus 1, 110; Xenophon, Cyril 1, 3, 3), the mountain-district, hill-country: Luke 1:39, 65 (Aristotle, h. a. 5, 28, 4; the Sept. for הַר, Genesis 14:10; Deuteronomy 11:11; Joshua 2:16, etc.). STRONGS NT 3714: ὀρινος [ὀρινος, see ὀρεινός.] Topical Lexicon Meaning and Geographic Setting The term describes the rugged uplands of Judea, stretching from the environs of Jerusalem southward past Bethlehem and Hebron. Elevations range from 550 to more than 1,000 meters, characterized by terraced slopes, limestone ridges, and clusters of small villages. Rainfall is sufficient for vineyards, olive groves, and pastoral grazing, yet the terrain demands perseverance and ingenuity from its inhabitants. In Scripture this region contrasts with the low-lying coastal plain and the Jordan Valley, symbolizing separation, reflection, and covenant faithfulness. Biblical Occurrences 1. Luke 1:39 records Mary’s journey: “In those days Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea”. Although the word appears only twice, both verses frame the opening movements of the Gospel narrative: the Visitation and the Forerunner’s birth. The hill country is thus the cradle for two miracles that usher in the New Covenant. Old Testament Background Hebrew texts frequently speak of the same uplands (e.g., Deuteronomy 1:7; Joshua 15:48-60). The hill country was allotted to Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin, with cities such as Hebron, Debir, and Bethlehem. Because the terrain discouraged large-scale invasion, it became a refuge for patriarchs, prophets, and kings (David in 1 Samuel 23:14). The association with covenant life, worship on high places later purified by reformers, and prophetic solitude all contribute to its theological resonance. Historical Significance in Luke 1 • Cultural setting: Rural Judean villages preserved older Hebrew piety, family lineage, and priestly traditions. Theological Themes 1. Humility and Obscurity: God chooses an uncelebrated region for pivotal revelations, echoing 1 Corinthians 1:27-29. Lessons for Ministry • God often advances His redemptive plan outside political and cultural centers; faithful service in small places matters. Christological and Redemptive Implications Mary’s swift ascent into the hills to greet Elizabeth prefigures the joyous proclamation of the Incarnation. The hill country’s echo of praise foreshadows “every valley” being lifted (Isaiah 40:4) and the ultimate ascent of the Son of God to Jerusalem’s hill for redemption. Thus the uplands of Judea, though geographically modest, become a stage on which the drama of salvation begins to unfold. Forms and Transliterations ορεινέ ορεινή ὀρεινῇ ορεινήν ὀρεινὴν ορεινής ορεινόν ορινη ὀρινῇ ορινην ὀρινὴν oreine oreinē oreinêi oreinē̂i oreinen oreinēn oreinḕnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 1:39 Adj-AFSGRK: εἰς τὴν ὀρεινὴν μετὰ σπουδῆς NAS: in a hurry to the hill country, to a city KJV: into the hill country with INT: into the hill country with haste Luke 1:65 Adj-DFS Strong's Greek 3714 |
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