or (shortened) דֹּר; from דּוּר; properly, a revolution of time, i.e. an age or generation; also a dwelling; age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity.
Transliteration:dôwr
Pronunciation:dore
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term דּוֹר (dôwr, `{{H1755}}`), sometimes appearing in its shortened form דֹּר, derives from the root דּוּר (dûr, `{{H1752}}`), which signifies "to revolve" or "to go around." This etymological root provides the primary semantic range for dôwr: a "revolution of time." From this core meaning, two principal applications emerge:
1. **A Generation (of people):** This refers to a group of individuals born and living within a particular span of time, often considered to be approximately 40 years, or the period from the birth of parents to the birth of their children. It denotes a collective of contemporaries, sharing common experiences, characteristics, or moral standing.
2. **An Age or Period of Time:** This refers to a specific epoch or era, a defined segment within the broader flow of history.
While the base definition also mentions "a dwelling," this is an infrequent direct application of dôwr itself; rather, it points to the broader semantic field of its root dôwr (`{{H1752}}`), which can mean "to dwell" or "to reside." In the context of dôwr (`{{H1755}}`), the emphasis is overwhelmingly on temporal and generational aspects. Idiomatic uses extend to "evermore" or "posterity," indicating perpetuity or future generations.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word dôwr appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, illuminating various facets of human existence and divine interaction across time.
In its most common usage, dôwr refers to a *generation* of people. For instance, God promises Abraham that his descendants will return to the land in the "fourth generation" ([[Genesis 15:16]]), indicating a specific period and the people within it. The flood narrative marks a stark division between "that generation" and subsequent ones ([[Genesis 7:1]]). The Law of Moses often includes stipulations "throughout your generations" ([[Exodus 12:14]], [[Leviticus 23:21]]), emphasizing the enduring nature of divine commands for all future groups of people.
Beyond mere temporal succession, dôwr frequently carries a moral or spiritual connotation, defining the character of a particular generation. Moses laments the "perverse and crooked generation" of Israel in the wilderness ([[Deuteronomy 32:5]], [[Deuteronomy 32:20]]), highlighting their spiritual rebellion. Conversely, the psalmist speaks of "the generation of those who seek Him" ([[Psalm 24:6]]), referring to the righteous. This distinction is crucial, as it underscores the idea that each generation is accountable for its own spiritual trajectory ([[Psalm 14:5]]).
The phrase "from generation to generation" (לְדֹר וָדֹר, le-dôr va-dôr) is a common construct used to express perpetuity or eternal duration, particularly in relation to God's attributes or covenant faithfulness. "The Lord's name is to be remembered throughout all generations" ([[Exodus 3:15]]). His faithfulness endures "to all generations" ([[Psalm 100:5]], [[Psalm 145:13]]), signifying an unbroken continuity of His character and actions across all time.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root of dôwr is דּוּר (dûr, `{{H1752}}`), "to revolve," "to go around," or "to dwell." This connection highlights the cyclical aspect of time (revolving) and the idea of a fixed period (dwelling within a time).
Other Hebrew terms that interact with or complement the meaning of dôwr include:
* **עוֹלָם ('olam, `{{H5769}}`):** This word denotes eternity, a very long duration, or the distant past/future. While dôwr refers to a finite segment or group, it is often paired with 'olam to convey unending duration (e.g., "from generation to generation forever," [[Psalm 45:17]]).
* **עֵת ('et, `{{H6256}}`):** This general term for "time" or "season" emphasizes specific points or periods, whereas dôwr refers more to the span or the people within it.
* **זֶרַע (zera', `{{H2233}}`):** Meaning "seed" or "offspring," zera' often describes the biological lineage or descendants, which is a key component of what constitutes a "generation" (dôwr).
* **בֵּן (ben, `{{H1121}}`):** "Son" or "child," often used collectively to refer to descendants or the succeeding generation.
### Theological Significance
The concept of dôwr carries profound theological weight in the biblical narrative:
1. **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Continuity:** God's covenant promises are repeatedly affirmed as extending "to all generations" ([[Deuteronomy 7:9]], [[Psalm 100:5]]). This underscores God's unwavering character and His commitment to His people across time, demonstrating His eternality and reliability.
2. **Human Accountability and Moral Progression/Regression:** The Bible often evaluates generations based on their obedience or rebellion. A "perverse generation" ([[Deuteronomy 32:5]]) stands in contrast to a "righteous generation" ([[Psalm 14:5]], [[Psalm 24:6]]). This highlights the recurring human tendency towards sin and idolatry, but also the possibility of faithfulness. Each dôwr is presented as having its own moral responsibility before God.
3. **The Unfolding of Redemptive History:** The succession of generations forms the very fabric of biblical history, from the initial promise to Abraham to the expectation of the Messiah. God works out His purposes through successive generations, revealing His plan incrementally. The "last days" or "future generations" often carry eschatological hope or warning.
4. **The Perpetuity of God's Name and Praise:** The command to teach God's statutes "to your children and your children's children" ([[Deuteronomy 4:9]]) ensures that divine truth and praise are passed down through every dôwr, guaranteeing an enduring witness to God's glory.
### Summary
The Hebrew word דּוֹר (dôwr, `{{H1755}}`) is a rich term primarily denoting a "generation" or "age," derived from the concept of a "revolution of time." It encompasses both a specific temporal period and the collective group of people living within it. Biblically, dôwr is crucial for understanding the continuity of God's covenant faithfulness, as His promises extend "from generation to generation." Simultaneously, it serves as a framework for assessing human moral and spiritual accountability, distinguishing between righteous and perverse generations. The term underscores the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through history, emphasizing both the cyclical nature of human sin and the enduring, unchanging character of God.
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