(Aramaic) or מְדֹר; (Aramaic), or מְדָר; (Aramaic), from דּוּר; a dwelling; dwelling.
Transliteration:mᵉdôwr
Pronunciation:med-ore'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H4070}}` (mᵉdôwr), derived from the root דור (dûr), signifies a "dwelling," "habitation," or "residence." The root דור itself carries the sense of circling or revolving, which extends to the idea of settling down in a fixed place, hence a dwelling. Unlike the broader Hebrew cognate `{{H1755}}` (dûr) which can also refer to a "generation" (a cycle of time), `{{H4070}}` specifically denotes a physical place of living. Its semantic range is quite narrow, focusing solely on the concept of a settled abode.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H4070}}` appears only once in the biblical text, within the Aramaic sections of the book of Ezra:
* **[[Ezra 4:10]]**: "and the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnappar deported and settled in the cities of Samaria and in the rest of the region Beyond the River, and so forth."
In this verse, `{{H4070}}` (translated as "settled" or "placed in dwelling places") refers to the locations where the Assyrian king Osnappar (a variant of Ashurbanipal) forcibly resettled various peoples. The context is one of imperial administration and control, where the king dictates the "dwellings" of conquered populations. It is a pragmatic term describing the establishment of new residences for deported groups, underscoring the political power to displace and re-establish communities. The use of `{{H4070}}` here highlights the physical establishment of new habitations, rather than a spiritual or familial dwelling.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H4070}}` is closely related to several terms, primarily through its root:
* **`{{H1755}}` (dûr)**: The verbal root from which `{{H4070}}` is derived, meaning "to dwell, reside." This root is common to both Hebrew and Aramaic.
* **`{{H4071}}` (mādôr)**: This is the direct Hebrew cognate of `{{H4070}}`, also meaning "dwelling place" or "habitation." It appears in passages like [[Psalm 49:14]] and [[Isaiah 27:10]], signifying a fixed abode. The close linguistic parallel between `{{H4070}}` and `{{H4071}}` demonstrates a shared conceptual understanding of a "dwelling" across the Aramaic and Hebrew languages.
* **Concepts of Habitation and Settlement**: The word relates to the broader biblical themes of home, land, and security. It stands in contrast to nomadic existence or temporary encampments. In the Aramaic context of Ezra, it specifically refers to politically mandated settlements, highlighting human agency in establishing or disrupting dwellings.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H4070}}` in its sole biblical occurrence serves a purely descriptive and administrative function, the overarching biblical concept of "dwelling" carries profound theological significance. The term in [[Ezra 4:10]] describes dwellings established by a human king as an act of imperial power and forced resettlement. This stands in stark contrast to the divine establishment of dwelling for God's people.
The Bible frequently speaks of God's desire to "dwell" among His people, as seen in the Tabernacle and Temple (שָׁכַן - shākan). The secure dwelling of Israel in the Promised Land is a central theme, a divine gift and promise. Thus, while `{{H4070}}` refers to a transient, human-imposed dwelling, it implicitly highlights the precariousness of human habitations when not secured by divine promise and covenant. It underscores the difference between temporary, politically manipulated settlements and the eternal, secure dwelling that God provides for His chosen people, culminating in the New Testament concept of God dwelling in believers through the Holy Spirit.
### Summary
`{{H4070}}` (mᵉdôwr) is an Aramaic term denoting a "dwelling place" or "habitation." Its single biblical appearance in [[Ezra 4:10]] describes the settlements established by the Assyrian king Osnappar for deported peoples, emphasizing an act of imperial control over human populations and their physical locations. Though a pragmatic term in its immediate context, it connects to the broader biblical understanding of "dwelling," contrasting human-imposed, often transient, habitations with the divinely provided and secure dwelling that God offers to His people. It is linguistically related to the Hebrew `{{H4071}}` (mādôr) and derived from the common root `{{H1755}}` (dûr), reinforcing the concept of a fixed residence.
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