or (shortened) גֻּר; perhaps from גּוּר; a cub (as still abiding in the lair), especially of the lion; whelp, young one.
Transliteration:gûwr
Pronunciation:goor
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term גּוּר (H1482, transliterated as *gûwr* or shortened *gur*) primarily denotes a "cub" or "whelp," specifically referring to the young of a powerful predator, most notably the lion. The base definition suggests a nuance of "still abiding in the lair," emphasizing the youth and inherent, though not yet fully realized, strength of the animal. It speaks to a nascent power, a potential for future might and independence, while still being dependent on the adult. While the definition notes a possible etymological connection to the verb גּוּר (`{{H1481}}`) meaning "to sojourn" or "to dread," the noun's semantic range is firmly fixed on the young of wild beasts, particularly lions, underscoring their natural characteristics of strength, agility, and predatory instinct even in their early stages of life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H1482 appears in several significant biblical passages, predominantly in prophetic and poetic contexts, often leveraging the symbolic power of the lion.
* **[[Genesis 49:9]]**: This is perhaps the most prominent occurrence, found within Jacob's prophetic blessing upon his son Judah: "Judah is a lion's cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He couches, he lies down as a lion, and as a lioness; who dares rouse him?" Here, the "lion's cub" symbolizes Judah's initial ascent and burgeoning strength, foreshadowing the tribe's future dominance and royal lineage. The imagery progresses from a young cub to a mature, resting lion, signifying a settled and unchallengeable authority.
* **[[Deuteronomy 33:22]]**: In Moses' blessing of the tribes, Dan is similarly described: "Dan is a lion's cub, that leaps forth from Bashan." This portrayal emphasizes Dan's vigorous and agile nature, suggesting a tribe that will be swift and formidable in its actions, emerging powerfully from its territory.
* **[[Ezekiel 19:2-5]]**: This passage uses H1482 metaphorically to lament the princes of Judah. The prophet describes Judah's mother as a "lioness" who "reared her cubs among them." One "cub" (likely Jehoahaz) "became a young lion," but was captured. Another "cub" (Jehoiachin) also "became a young lion" but was similarly taken. Here, the "cub" imagery highlights the royal lineage and initial promise of these kings, but also their ultimate vulnerability and failure to maintain their dominion, leading to their captivity. It underscores the fragility of human power, even when rooted in a strong heritage.
* **[[Nahum 2:12]]**: This verse describes the predatory actions of the Assyrian lion (representing Nineveh) in literal terms: "The lion tore enough for his cubs, and strangled prey for his lionesses, and filled his lairs with prey, and his dens with torn flesh." Here, H1482 is used to depict the natural behavior of a lion providing for its young, emphasizing the ferocity and provision inherent in the animal kingdom, and by extension, the ruthless nature of the Assyrian empire.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary conceptual link for H1482 is to the family of terms referring to lions and their characteristics. These include:
* אַרְיֵה (`{{H738}}`): The most common Hebrew word for "lion."
* לָבִיא (`{{H3833}}`): "Lioness," often emphasizing the fierce and protective nature of the female.
* לַיִשׁ (`{{H3918}}`): Another term for "lion," often conveying strength and vigor.
* כְּפִיר (`{{H3715}}`): A "young lion" or "lion cub," often used interchangeably with גּוּר (H1482) or to denote a slightly older, more independent young lion. While גּוּר emphasizes the very young, still-in-the-lair aspect, כְּפִיר often suggests a lion that has left the immediate care of its mother but is not yet fully mature.
The concept of "strength," "power," "royalty," "dominion," "predation," and "lineage" are all closely associated with H1482 due to its primary referent, the lion cub. The idea of "potential" or "nascent power" is also central, as the cub represents the future of its kind.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1482 is rich and multifaceted, largely stemming from its association with the lion, a creature frequently employed in biblical symbolism.
* **Messianic Prophecy and Kingship**: The most profound theological implication arises from [[Genesis 49:9]]. Judah's designation as a "lion's cub" is foundational for the understanding of the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" ([[Revelation 5:5]]), a key messianic title applied to Jesus Christ. This imagery speaks to the divine plan for a kingly lineage to emerge from Judah, culminating in the Messiah, who possesses ultimate strength, authority, and dominion. The "cub" signifies the humble beginnings and latent power that would grow into the sovereign rule of the Davidic dynasty and ultimately, Christ's eternal kingdom.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**: In Ezekiel's lament ([[Ezekiel 19:2-5]]), the use of "cub" for the kings of Judah highlights God's sovereign control over even powerful rulers and their destinies. Despite their royal "lion" lineage, these "cubs" were unable to withstand divine judgment, demonstrating that human strength and lineage are ultimately subject to God's will.
* **God's Provision and Order in Creation**: The literal use in [[Nahum 2:12]] reminds us of the natural order established by God, where even fierce predators are driven by instinct to provide for their young. While describing a ruthless empire, it subtly points to the intricate design and inherent drives within creation, which ultimately reflect aspects of God's own character, such as provision, albeit through a creature's lens.
* **Symbol of Strength and Protection**: Beyond specific passages, the "lion's cub" generally evokes ideas of formidable strength and potential for protection or destruction. In a broader theological sense, God is often depicted with attributes of a lion, signifying His power, majesty, and unassailable nature.
### Summary
The Hebrew word גּוּר (H1482) denotes a "cub" or "whelp," primarily of a lion, carrying the nuance of a young, yet inherently powerful, creature still in its lair. Its biblical usage is most profound in prophetic blessings, where it symbolizes nascent strength, royal lineage, and future dominion, particularly in the blessing of Judah ([[Genesis 49:9]]) which forms a crucial link to the messianic "Lion of Judah." The term also appears in contexts of national lament, illustrating the rise and fall of kings under divine sovereignty ([[Ezekiel 19]]), and in literal descriptions of animal behavior, reflecting the natural order of creation ([[Nahum 2:12]]). The theological significance of H1482 is thus deeply intertwined with themes of kingship, divine sovereignty, and the powerful, yet often veiled, beginnings of God's redemptive plan.
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