from דּוּר; a circle, ball or pile; ball, turn, round about.
Transliteration:dûwr
Pronunciation:dure
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun דּוּר (dûwr, `{{H1754}}`) is derived from the verbal root דּוּר (dûwr, `{{H1752}}`), which fundamentally means "to go around," "to turn," or "to dwell." As a noun, `{{H1754}}` extends this core meaning to denote a physical manifestation of roundness or circularity. Its primary semantic range encompasses:
* **A circle or circuit:** Referring to a complete perimeter or an area defined by a circular shape.
* **A ball:** Indicating a spherical object, emphasizing its roundness and ability to be rolled.
* **A pile or heap:** Often implying a rounded or accumulated mass, such as a heap of stones or bones.
The underlying sense of "turning" or "going round about" from its verbal root is often implicitly carried into the noun's usage, especially when describing an action of surrounding or movement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun דּוּר (dûwr, `{{H1754}}`) appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, but its occurrences are highly illustrative:
* **[[Isaiah 22:18]]**: "He will surely violently turn and toss thee *like a ball* (כַּדּוּר) into a large country." Here, דּוּר is used in a simile to describe the forceful and undignified expulsion of Shebna, the palace steward. The image of being thrown "like a ball" vividly conveys his utter powerlessness and the ignominious nature of his banishment. It suggests a loss of control, being rolled away to a distant, unknown place, emphasizing the severity of divine judgment.
* **[[Isaiah 29:3]]**: "And I will encamp against thee *round about* (דּוּר), and will lay siege against thee with a mount, and raise forts against thee." In this prophetic passage concerning Jerusalem, דּוּר functions adverbially within the phrase דּוּר עָלַיִךְ (dûwr ʿālāyik), meaning "round about you" or "all around you." It describes the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the siege God will bring upon the city. This usage underscores the totality of the encirclement, implying that there will be no avenue of escape from the impending judgment.
Both instances, though distinct in their application, draw upon the core meaning of "roundness" or "circling" to convey powerful images of divine action and human fate.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of דּוּר (dûwr, `{{H1754}}`) is enriched by examining its relationship to other Hebrew terms:
* **Verbal Root:** The most direct relation is to its root verb דּוּר (dûwr, `{{H1752}}`), meaning "to go around," "to turn," or "to dwell." The concept of dwelling often implies a settled, possibly circular, encampment or community. The noun `{{H1754}}` directly embodies the physical manifestation of the verb's action.
* **Related Noun (Generation/Age):** דּוֹר (dôr, `{{H1755}}`), meaning "a generation" or "an age," is also derived from the same root. This connection highlights the cyclical nature of time, with generations succeeding one another in a "round" or period. This semantic link subtly reinforces the idea of completeness or a defined period.
* **Other Words for "Circle" or "Roundness":** While `{{H1754}}` specifically denotes a physical circle or ball, other terms convey similar concepts:
* חֻג (ḥûg, `{{H2328}}`): "circle, circuit," often used for the vault of heaven or the horizon, emphasizing a cosmic or vast circle.
* כִּכָּר (kikkār, `{{H3603}}`): "circle, plain, talent," which can refer to a circular region, a round loaf of bread, or a weight (talent) perhaps from its shape.
* **Words for "Surround" or "Encircle":** The action implied in [[Isaiah 29:3]] aligns with verbs like סָבַב (sāḇaḇ, `{{H5437}}`), meaning "to turn about, go around, surround."
### Theological Significance
Though דּוּר (dûwr, `{{H1754}}`) is not a frequently occurring term, its specific uses carry significant theological weight, particularly in the context of divine sovereignty and judgment.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Inescapable Judgment:** In [[Isaiah 29:3]], the "round about" encirclement of Jerusalem by God's judgment powerfully illustrates the comprehensive and inescapable nature of divine discipline. This imagery underscores God's absolute control over nations and their destinies. There is no escape from His decree; His purposes will be fully accomplished, demonstrating His omnipotence and unwavering justice.
* **Human Helplessness in the Face of Divine Wrath:** The simile in [[Isaiah 22:18]] of being tossed "like a ball" serves as a stark theological warning. It portrays the utter powerlessness and abject humiliation of the individual (Shebna) when confronted by God's sovereign will and judgment. The person is reduced to an object, devoid of agency, tossed about by a force far greater than himself. This image critiques human pride and self-reliance, emphasizing the futility of resistance against God's determined actions. It underscores the fragility of human existence and the ultimate accountability before a holy God.
* **Completeness and Totality:** The underlying concept of "roundness" or "circling" inherent in `{{H1754}}` can subtly point to the completeness or totality of an action, whether it be the full scope of a judgment or the comprehensive nature of a divine purpose.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun דּוּר (dûwr, `{{H1754}}`), derived from the verb meaning "to go around" or "to dwell," primarily signifies a "circle," "ball," or "pile." Its limited but potent occurrences in the prophetic books of Isaiah provide profound insights into God's character and His dealings with humanity. In [[Isaiah 29:3]], it vividly describes the complete and inescapable encirclement of Jerusalem by divine judgment, highlighting God's absolute sovereignty and the certainty of His purposes. Conversely, [[Isaiah 22:18]] employs the striking simile of being tossed "like a ball" to convey the utter helplessness and ignominious fate of those who incur divine disfavor, serving as a powerful reminder of human fragility before God's might. While not a foundational theological term, `{{H1754}}` contributes significantly to the rich imagery of the Hebrew Bible, underscoring themes of divine control, the comprehensiveness of judgment, and the ultimate power of God over human destiny. Its connection to the broader semantic field of "circling" and "generations" (via `{{H1752}}` and `{{H1755}}`) further reinforces the cyclical nature of time and the all-encompassing reach of God's divine plan.
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