Page 612 - Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible Christianity. Based on the King James Bible

SIHON - SIN

the stone, this carries the seal ring back to the 11th SIMPLE. (1) Undiscerning. A simple person by
century B.C. But the passage (Ge. 41:42) is much older; modern definition is one who is somewhat slow
it is true that this and some similar passages may refer mentally, but this is not what the Bible means by the
to seals that were hung on the hand or wrist by a cord. term. In Bible usage, “the simple” is one who is not
But the seal ring, or signet, clearly alluded to (Es. 3:12; careful and discerning; someone easily influenced. “The
8:8; Je. 22:24) is probably very ancient and widespread. simple believeth every word: but the prudent man
The use of clay in sealing is noticed in the book of Job looketh well to his going” (Pr. 14:15). See also Ps. 19:7;
(38:14), and the signet ring as an ordinary part of a 119:30; Pr. 1:4; 1:22; 7:7; 8:5; 9:16; 18; 19:25; 22:3;
man’s equipment in the case of Judah (Ge. 38:18), who 27:12; Ro. 16:17-18. It refers not to weak mental
probably, like many modern Arabs, wore it suspended capacity, but to a careless spiritual and moral condition.
by a string from his neck or arm (Song 8:6). The ring or (2) Innocent; not involved in evil things (Ro. 16:19).
the seal, as an emblem of authority both in Egypt and The same Greek word translated “simple” in Ro. 16:19
Persia, and elsewhere, is mentioned in the cases of (akeraios) is translated “harmless” in Mt. 10:16 and Ph.
Pharaoh with Joseph (Ge. 41:42), of Ahab (1 Ki. 21:8), 2:15. [See Separation, Silly.]
of Ahasuerus (Es. 3:10, 12; 8:2), of Darius (Da. 6:17), SIMPLICITY. Sincerity; without dissimulation or self-
and as an evidence of a covenant in Je. 32:10, 14; Ne. seeking. “Artlessness of mind; freedom from a
9:38; 10:1; Hag. 2:23. Engraved signets were in use propensity to cunning or stratagem; freedom from
among the Hebrews in early times, as is evident in the duplicity; sincerity; plainness; freedom from artificial
description of the high priest’s breastplate (Ex. 28:11, ornament” (Webster) (2 Sa. 15:11; Ro. 12:8; 2 Co. 1:12;
36; 39:6). The importance of the signet ring in the eyes 11:3). The Greek word translated “simplicity” (haplotes)
of the oriental is evident from the phrase in Hag. is also translated “singleness” of heart (Ep. 6:5; Col.
2:23--‘I will make thee as a signet.’ It is obvious from 3:22). [See Sincere.]
this that the signet was carried continually and was SIN. Breaking God’s law; missing the mark of moral
considered a very valuable possession. The same is purity; falling short of God’s righteousness. The term
evident from Je. 22:24” (People’s Bible Encyclopedia). “sin” is one of the most common Bible words describing
SIHON (pleasure greatly desired). Nu. 21:21. the fallen condition of man. All men have sinned (1 Ki.
SIHOR (very black). Jos. 13:3. 8:46; Ec. 7:20; Ro. 3:23; 5:12). Man’s sin began with
SILAS (considering, third, marking). Ac. 15:22, 27, Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden (Ge. 3; Ro. 5:12).
32, 34, 40; 16:19, 25, 29; 17:4, 10, 14, 15; 18:5. The penalty of sin is death (Ro. 6:23). The forgiveness
SILENCE, KEEP. To be silent (Job 29:21; Ec. 3:7; 1 of sin requires the shedding of blood (He. 9:22). Jesus
Co. 14:28). Christ paid the full penalty for sin when He died and
SILLA (a way heaped up). 2 Ki. 12:20. shed His blood on the cross (Ep. 1:7; He. 1:3; Ro.
5:9-10). Is. 53 describes how Jesus bore man’s sin. Man
SILLY. Simple; gullible; easily led astray; lacking receives complete and eternal forgiveness for sin by
wisdom and discernment (Job 5:2; 2 Ti. 3:6). The exercising personal faith in Jesus Christ (Ro. 6:23; Ep.
Hebrew word translated “silly” is also translated 5:5-6; Eze. 18:4). [See Salvation.]
“deceive” (2 Sa. 3:25), “flatter” (Ps. 78:36), and The key Greek word translated sin, HAMARTANO,
“entice” (Ex. 22:16). [See Simple.] means to err or miss the mark (Lk. 15:18; Jn. 5:14;
SILOAH (pouring forth). Ne. 3:15. 8:11; 9:2; Ro. 2:12; 3:23; 5:12; 1 Co. 6:18; 15:34; Ep.
SILOAM (one sent). Jn. 9:7. 4:26; 1 Ti. 5:20; Tit. 3:11; He. 3:17; 10:26; 2 Pe. 2:4; 1
SILVANUS (born in a wood). 2 Co. 1:19. Jn. 1:10; 2:1; 3:6, 8, 9; 5:16, 18).
SILVERLING. Silver coin (Is. 7:23). “Found only in Is. The key Hebrew word translated sin, CHATA, also
7:23, and the Hebrew is the same as ‘silver,’ and ‘pieces means to err or miss the mark (Ge. 20:6; 39:9; Ex. 9:27;
of silver,’ as money” (Concise). [See Money.] 20:20; 32:30-33; Le. 4:2; 5:1; 6:2; Nu. 15:27; 16:22;
SIMEON (hearing). A son of Jacob (Ge. 29:33; De. 1:41; 9:16; 19:15; 20:18; Ju. 10:10, 15; 1 Sa.
34:34-39; 49:5). Simeon’s children formed the tribe of 12:10; 2 Sa. 12:13; 19:20; 24:10; 1 Ki. 8:46-50; 2 Ch.
Israel which carries his name (Nu. 1:6-23; 2:12; De. 6:22; 6:37-39; Ne. 1:6; 9:29; Job 1:5, 22; 2:10; 7:20;
27:12; Jos. 19:1-9; 21:4-9; Ju. 1:3,17; Eze. 48:23-33; 10:14; 31:30; Ps. 4:4; 39:1; 41:4; 51:4; 78:17; 119:11;
Re. 7:7). Pr. 8:36; 14:21; 19:2; 20:2; Ec. 7:20; Is. 42:24; 64:5; Je.
SIMILITUDE. Likeness; pattern (Nu. 12:8; De. 2:35; 14:7; 33:8; 40:3; Eze. 18:4; Da. 9:5-15).
4:12-16; 2 Ch. 4:3; Ps. 106:20; Da. 10:16; Ja. 3:9). Other O.T. Hebrew Words for Sin: ASHAM, meaning to
SIMON (hearing). Simon Peter. [See Peter.] be guilty (Je. 51:5; Is. 53:10); AVON, to pervert, to
make crooked (1 Ki. 17:18); SHAGAH, to stray (Le.

612 Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity