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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dôwr**, represented by `{{H1755}}`, refers to a revolution of time, such as an age or a **generation**. It appears 167 times in 127 unique verses. The term signifies a specific period, the people living within that period, and the concept of ongoing posterity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H1755}}` is used to frame both human history and divine faithfulness. God establishes his covenant with Abraham and his seed "in their **generations** for an everlasting covenant" [[Genesis 17:7]]. His memorial name, the LORD, is to be remembered "unto all **generations**" [[Exodus 3:15]]. The word also describes the moral character of a people, contrasting Noah, who was "perfect in his **generations**" [[Genesis 6:9]], with a "stubborn and rebellious **generation**" [[Psalms 78:8]] or a "perverse and crooked **generation**" [[Deuteronomy 32:5]]. Ordinances like the Passover are to be kept "throughout your **generations**" [[Exodus 12:14]], ensuring continuity.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of time and lineage associated with `{{H1755}}`:
* `{{H5769}}` **ʻôwlâm** (everlasting): This term for eternity is frequently paired with `{{H1755}}` to contrast God's eternal nature with the successive cycles of human existence. God's mercy is **everlasting**, and His truth endures to all **generations** [[Psalms 100:5]].
* `{{H8435}}` **tôwlᵉdâh** (generations): Often translated identically, this word specifically refers to descents, family lines, and histories. It is used alongside `{{H1755}}` in describing Noah, where `{{H8435}}` introduces his lineage and `{{H1755}}` describes the era in which he lived [[Genesis 6:9]].
* `{{H314}}` **ʼachărôwn** (latter, to come): This word specifies a future or coming **generation**. It is used to express the responsibility of passing on God's story to "the **generation** to **come**" [[Psalms 78:4]], ensuring His praises are known in the future.
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): As the building block of a family line, the **son** is essential to the concept of generational succession. The command to tell your **children**, and they their **children**, and their **children** another **generation** highlights this direct link [[Joel 1:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1755}}` is significant, often contrasting God's permanence with humanity's cyclical nature.
* **Divine Faithfulness:** The term is a constant reminder that God's attributes—His counsel [[Psalms 33:11]], faithfulness [[Psalms 119:90]], and dominion [[Psalms 145:13]]—endure "to all **generations**," providing a stable anchor across human history.
* **Generational Responsibility:** Each **generation** carries the duty of remembering God's works and keeping His statutes. This is seen in the call to "Remember the days of old, consider the years of many **generations**" [[Deuteronomy 32:7]] and in the establishment of perpetual statutes [[Leviticus 3:17]].
* **Collective Character:** A **generation** is often judged by its collective spiritual state. God is present "in the **generation** of the righteous" [[Psalms 14:5]], but He may reject and forsake "the **generation** of his wrath" [[Jeremiah 7:29]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1755}}` is a crucial word for understanding the biblical view of time, history, and covenant. It functions as more than a simple demographic label; it is a measure of humanity's journey, a vessel for divine promises, and a benchmark for the faithfulness of a people within their specific era. It highlights the profound relationship between the eternal, unchanging God and the successive, transient ages of mankind.
TRV