Siman
Siman
(), like the Greek , , a sign or a symbol, denotes among the Masorites:
1. A chapter of a book or the number of a psalm. In the Pentateuch neither book nor chapter is quoted, but always the section, which is called , or and . Thus the Masora Finalis on remarks: , i.e. it occurs three times, and the passages are found in Jeremiah 51, and in Job at the beginning of ch. 16. On, the Masorah remarks: , i.e. it occurs four times, and the passages are quoted in Psalms 56. On, it is remarked, 8 , i.e. it occurs six times, and the passages are quoted in the section Bereshith [i.e. Gen 1:1-6; Gen 1:8. By comparing the Masoretic note in the Rabbinic Bible, it will be found that the passages are quoted at the beginning of the third chapter, since the phrase occurs here for the first time].
2. It denotes passages, examples, which are quoted in order to confirm the Masoretic notes.
3. It is used as a symbol or memotechnical sign. Thus when a word occurs three times, four times, etc., as often as it occurs a corresponding symbol, which is generally of a very artificial character, is given. Thus the Masora Parva remarks on (Gen 18:4), , i.e. it occurs three times, and the symbol is the water of the mighty, iron. Now each of these three words represents a symbol, signifying the passage in which the word occurs. Thus , water, is the symbol of the passage in which we read, , let a little water be fetched (Gen 18:4). The second word, , of the mighty, refers to the passage , even the Captivity of the mighty shall be taken away (Isa 49:25). The third word, , iron, refers to , iron is taken out of the earth (Job 28:2). In the same verse the Masorah remarks on , and wash, 8 8 , i.e. it occurs three times, and its symbol is the waters, of the servant, are clean.’ The first word, , the waters, refers to that verse in which before is read, [i.e. in the same verse]; the second word, , of the servant, refers to, , your servant, which occurs in Gen 19:2. The third word, , clean, refers to Isa 1:16, , wash you, make you clean.
4. The word stands alone without any addition or explanation, and in this position it serves as a monitor:
a. When one word differs from a similar one, either by its prefix or through another letter, and in this instance it calls the attention to the difference. Thus in Lev 25:25 we read , if thy brother be waxen poor; but in Lev 25:35 we read , and if thy brother, etc. To the latter passage the Masorah adds , to call attention to the in Lev 25:25, and in Lev 25:35.
b. When the difference is caused by another word. Thus in Num 4:6; Num 4:14, we read , and shall put in the staves thereof; but in Num 4:8; Num 4:11 we read , and shall put, etc. Here, in this instance, the Masorah places to the first form. Comp. also Lev 19:5; Lev 22:29; Psa 56:5; Psa 56:12.
c. When a difference consists in the accents. Thus in Num 4:30 we read , even until fifty years; but in Num 4:35 we read . In this instance the attention is called to the difference of the accents, viz. the first has the Tebir., the second the Tiphcha, These few examples will show the importance of the meaning of the in its different stages. See Buxtorf, Tiberias, seu Massoreticus Commentarius, p. 259 sq.; Frensdorff, Massora Magna, introd. p. 9. (B.P.)