שַׂהֲרוֹן
sa.ha.ron
crescent
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
Supported# Saharón: The Hebrew Word for Crescent The Hebrew word *saharón* (שַׂהֲרוֹן) refers to a crescent shape—specifically the curved form resembling a new moon. The word appears only three times in the biblical text, which limits our ability to establish a broad range of meanings, but its consistent application suggests a straightforward, literal reference to crescent-shaped objects rather than metaphorical use. The rarity of this term in biblical literature indicates it described a specific, recognizable form rather than an everyday concept. When biblical authors needed to reference crescent shapes—whether in architectural ornaments, jewelry, or other physical objects—they employed this particular word. The three occurrences likely represent contexts where such imagery held particular importance enough to warrant specific terminology, though the limited data prevents us from determining whether the word carried symbolic or religious significance beyond its basic descriptive function.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences across the text
In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, the headbands, the crescent necklaces,
Judges 8:21Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “You rise and fall on us; for as the man is, so is his strength.” Gideon arose, and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescents that were on their camels’ necks.
Judges 8:26The weight of the golden earrings that he requested was one thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold, in addition to the crescents, and the pendants, and the purple clothing that was on the kings of Midian, and in addition to the chains that were about their camels’ necks.