Lexical Summary Sina: Sinai Original Word: Σινᾶ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Sina. Of Hebrew origin (Ciynay); Sina (i.e. Sinai), a mountain in Arabia -- Sina. see HEBREW Ciynay NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Sinay Definition Sinai, a mountain probably on the Sinai Peninsula NASB Translation Sinai (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4614: ΣινᾶΣινᾶ (Σινᾶ WH; cf. Chandler §§ 135, 138), τό (namely, ὄρος, cf. Buttmann, 21f (19)), indeclinable, Josephus, τό Σιναιον, Antiquities 3, 5, 1, and τό Σιναιον ὄρος, Antiquities 2, 12, 1; Hebrew סִינַי (perhaps 'jagged'; others make it an adjective 'belonging to (the desert of) Sin') (Sina or) Sinai, a mountain or, rather, a mountainous region in the peninsula of Arabia Petraea, made famous by the giving of the Mosaic law. There are three summits: one toward the west, which is called חוהֵב, a second toward the east, Sinai proper so called, the third toward the south, now Mount St. Catharine. But the distinction between Horeb and Sinai is given differently by different writers; and some think that they were two different names of one and the same mountain (cf. Sir. 48:7); cf. (McClintock and Strong's Cyclopaedia, under the word Topical Lexicon Geographical and Historical Background Mount Sinai, traditionally identified with the rugged peaks of the southern Sinai Peninsula, stands as one of Scripture’s most iconic locations. In the Old Testament record it is the mountain where Yahweh manifested His presence in fire, cloud, thunder, and trumpet blast, and where the law was delivered to Israel through Moses (Exodus 19–34). Though the New Testament refers to Sinai only four times (Acts 7:30, Acts 7:38; Galatians 4:24, Galatians 4:25), every mention carries the weight of that foundational revelation and covenant moment. Old Testament Foundations Reflected in the New Testament Acts 7:30 and Acts 7:38 come within Stephen’s inspired defense before the Sanhedrin. He recounts the call of Moses and the giving of the “living words” at Sinai, anchoring Israel’s national identity in an event where God made Himself known and gave covenant stipulations. Stephen quotes the Exodus narrative to remind his hearers that God’s covenant purposes are always advancing and that resistance to His appointed mediators has been a recurring tragedy. Sinai in Apostolic Preaching (Acts 7) 1. Divine Initiative: “An angel of the Lord appeared to him in the flame of a burning bush in the desert of Mount Sinai” (Acts 7:30). The emphasis lies on God’s sovereign approach to an exile shepherd and His plan to redeem an enslaved nation. Sinai in Pauline Theology (Galatians 4:24–25) When Paul references Sinai, he employs it typologically. In Galatians 4, Hagar represents the Mosaic covenant “bearing children into slavery,” and is said to correspond “to Mount Sinai in Arabia.” By setting Sinai in contrast to the heavenly Jerusalem, Paul clarifies that righteousness is ultimately grounded in promise, not in law-keeping. His argument does not diminish the law’s holiness but locates its function as preparatory and temporary (Galatians 3:24). That Sinai is “in Arabia” underscores its geographic location outside the promised land, reinforcing the contrast between bondage and inheritance. Continuity and Contrast: Law and Grace Sinai embodies the holiness of God, the seriousness of sin, and the need for a mediator. The New Testament balances this with the revelation that Jesus Christ mediates a superior covenant written on hearts (Hebrews 8:6–10), fulfilling the righteous demands once thundered from Sinai. The church, therefore, holds the moral law as perpetually authoritative while recognizing the ceremonial and civil components as shadows fulfilled in Christ. Ministry Implications 1. Teaching and Discipleship: Sinai’s narrative provides the framework for explaining God’s moral character and humanity’s need for redemption. Eschatological Echoes Hebrews contrasts Sinai with “Mount Zion, the city of the living God” (Hebrews 12:22). The final gathering of the redeemed around the heavenly throne fulfills the covenant trajectory begun at Sinai: a holy God dwelling among a holy people. Thus Sinai’s smoke and trumpet become precursors to the greater glory awaiting believers. Summary Strong’s Greek 4614 carries far more than a geographical label. Every New Testament citation of Sinai summons the memory of covenant law, divine holiness, human mediator, and the redemptive storyline that finds its culmination in Jesus Christ. For proclamation, discipleship, and personal devotion, Sinai remains a perpetual signpost pointing both backward to covenant foundations and forward to covenant fulfillment. Forms and Transliterations Σινα Σινά Σινὰ Σινᾶ Sina Siná SinàLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 7:30 NGRK: τοῦ ὄρους Σινὰ ἄγγελος ἐν NAS: OF MOUNT Sinai, IN THE FLAME KJV: of mount Sina an angel INT: of the Mount Sinai an angel in Acts 7:38 N Galatians 4:24 N Galatians 4:25 N |
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