שִׂדִּים
𐤔𐤃𐤉𐤌
Sidim
H7708 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Proper noun: Siddim. A valley or plain characterized by flat terrain, noted especially as the location of the conflict among regional kings in Genesis 14. The term refers to a specific geographic area associated with the Dead Sea region, known for bitumen pits and the setting of the 'Valley of Siddim' narrative.
Semantic Range
fields, open plains, flatlands, valley (in a geographic sense), name of a specific region (Valley/Plain of Siddim)
Root / Etymology
From the root שָׂדֶה (sadeh) meaning 'field' or 'open country.' שִׂדִּים is a plural form, likely denoting 'fields' or 'flats,' and as a toponym refers to an area distinguished by its level terrain. The application as a place name signals its geographic character rather than its agricultural function.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the biblical narrative, Siddim appears exclusively in Genesis 14, describing the location where a coalition of local rulers fought against eastern kings. The area is associated with numerous bitumen (asphalt) pits, which shaped both its economic and military significance. While English translations often supply 'valley of Siddim,' the term specifically conveys the idea of flat or open plains. The precise identification of Siddim is uncertain, though tradition locates it in the region south or southeast of the Dead Sea. The place name draws upon the descriptive quality of the underlying root (field, plain), but its use as a toponym in the narrative is distinct from other agricultural 'field' terms. Later English usage as 'valley of Siddim' may not capture the nuance of its larger, open area. This name is not reused elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible and is unique to Genesis 14, with no evidence of association with inheritance tribal divisions or continued post-biblical identification.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
plural from the same as שָׂדֶה; flats; Siddim, a valley in Palestine; Siddim.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
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שׂדה (ś-d-h) — field, open area, plain, flatland
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H7704 | שָׂדֶה | in the open field |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7708-01 |
הַ/שִּׂדִּ֑ים | hasidim | HTd/Np |
of Siddim | the Siddim Flats | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7708-01 |
Genesis 14:3 | הַ/שִּׂדִּ֑ים | hasidim | HTd/Np |
of Siddim | the Siddim Flats |
H7708-01 |
Genesis 14:8 | הַ/שִּׂדִּֽים | hasidim | HTd/Np |
of Siddim | the Siddim Flats |
H7708-01 |
Genesis 14:10 | הַ/שִׂדִּ֗ים | hasidim | HTd/Np |
of Siddim | the Siddim Flats |