Covenant Heritage: Συχέμ (Strong’s G4966: Sychem) Witnesses God’s Faithfulness

Strong’s G4966: From Hebrew שְׁכֶם (Shechem), Συχέμ represents a significant location in biblical history where God’s covenant promises were renewed. This ancient city witnessed key moments in patriarchal history and became a symbol of divine faithfulness across generations.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συχέμ carries deep theological significance as a place where God’s covenant promises were repeatedly confirmed. As the Greek form of Hebrew שְׁכֶם (Shechem), this location witnessed Abraham’s first altar in the Promised Land, Jacob’s well, Joseph’s burial, and Joshua’s covenant renewal. Stephen references it in Acts to demonstrate God’s faithfulness throughout Israel’s history. The early church saw in Συχέμ a powerful testimony to God’s unchanging promises. Today, it reminds us of God’s covenant faithfulness across generations and His continued work in fulfilling His promises through the Messiah.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Συχέμ, Sychem, /sü-khem’/
• Pronunciation Guide: “soo-KHEM” (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• From Hebrew שְׁכֶם (Shechem)
• Root meaning “shoulder” or “ridge”
• Associated with the location’s position between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim

D – Defining Meanings

• Ancient city in central Holy Land
• Location of significant covenant events
• Site of Joseph’s tomb

Translation Options:

• “Shechem” – Modern English translation
• “Sychem” – Traditional Greek form
• “Nablus” – Modern city near ancient site

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Συχάρ (Sychar) /sü-khär’/ – nearby town in New Testament times – See G4965
• Σαμάρεια (Samareia) /sä-mä’-rā-ä/ – region containing Shechem – See G4540
• Σιλώ (Siló) /sē-lō’/ – another important covenant site – See G4617

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a proper noun, Συχέμ is:

• Indeclinable
• Gender: Feminine
• Number: Singular
• Used in all cases without change

The word maintains its form regardless of function:

• Nominative: Συχέμ
• Genitive: Συχέμ
• Dative: Συχέμ
• Accusative: Συχέμ

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG identifies it as a major city in Samaria’s history. Thayer’s emphasizes its significance in patriarchal narratives. LSJ notes its importance in Hellenistic period. Vine’s connects it to covenant renewals. Strong’s links it to the Hebrew original. Moulton and Milligan discuss archaeological evidence of continuous settlement.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 7:16: “Their bodies were brought back to [Συχέμ] Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a certain sum of money.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συχέμ stands as a testament to God’s enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises. This location proclaims the good news that the Messiah fulfills all God’s promises, making them “yes” and “amen” through His perfect work. It reminds us that God’s covenant faithfulness spans generations and finds its ultimate expression in His Son.

D – Did You Know?

• Συχέμ was the first place Abraham built an altar in the Promised Land
• The site witnessed multiple covenant renewal ceremonies
• Archaeological evidence confirms its importance in biblical history

Strong’s G4966: From Hebrew שְׁכֶם (Shechem), Συχέμ represents a significant location in biblical history where God’s covenant promises were renewed. This ancient city witnessed key moments in patriarchal history and became a symbol of divine faithfulness across generations.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: Shechem, covenant renewal, patriarchs, biblical geography, Joseph’s tomb, Acts 7, Stephen’s speech, promised land, divine faithfulness, sacred sites​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​