### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Çûwr**, represented by `{{H5495}}`, refers to **Sur, a gate of the temple**. The term appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its singular use identifies it as a specific, named location, likely a gate of the temple complex in Jerusalem.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H5495}}` is in [[2 Kings 11:6]], where it marks a strategic position for the temple guard. The instruction is given to station a third of the guard at the **gate of Sur** as part of a larger plan to **keep** `{{H8104}}` the **watch** `{{H4931}}` of the **house** `{{H1004}}` of the Lord. This context establishes **Sur** not just as an architectural feature, but as a critical point of defense to ensure the temple would not be **broken down** `{{H4535}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its biblical context help clarify the function and importance of the gate of Sur:
* `{{H8179}}` **shaʻar** (gate): This word defines what Sur is, "an opening, i.e. door or gate." It is the physical structure through which access to a secured area is controlled, and its protection is vital for the security of a city or temple [[Psalms 147:13]].
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): This indicates the building that Sur's gate protected. The term is used broadly for a dwelling, palace, or family, but in this context, it specifically refers to the temple, the house of the Lord ([[2 Kings 20:5]], [[Psalms 27:4]]).
* `{{H8104}}` **shâmar** (keep): This verb describes the action taking place at the gate. It means to "hedge about... i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to." This action is central to the passage, linking the physical location of Sur to the act of divine and human protection [[Psalms 127:1]].
* `{{H4931}}` **mishmereth** (watch): This term defines the duty performed at the gate. It can mean the act of custody, a sentry, or figuratively, an observance or duty, tying the guarding of the gate to a charge given by God ([[Genesis 26:5]], [[Zechariah 3:7]]).
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5495}}` is tied directly to its role in the protection of a sacred space.
* **Strategic Defense of the Temple:** The mention of Sur highlights the practical and spiritual importance of guarding God's house. Its placement in a detailed defensive plan shows that protecting the physical temple was a high priority [[2 Kings 11:6]].
* **A Point of Faithfulness:** The stationing of guards at the gate of Sur was part of fulfilling the **watch** `{{H4931}}` of the Lord's house. This connects the location to the broader biblical theme of keeping God's charge and commandments as an act of faithfulness [[Deuteronomy 11:1]].
* **Maintaining Sacred Space:** As an entrance to the **house** `{{H1004}}` of the Lord, the gate of Sur was a threshold between the profane and the holy. Guarding it was essential to preserving the sanctity of the place where God's presence was understood to dwell [[Psalms 27:4]].
### Summary
In summary, while **Çûwr** `{{H5495}}` appears only once, its context is highly informative. It is not merely a name on a map but a key location in the biblical narrative of protecting the temple. Its importance is derived from its function as a **gate** `{{H8179}}` to the **house** `{{H1004}}` of the Lord, a place that required a faithful **watch** `{{H4931}}` to be kept. The singular reference in [[2 Kings 11:6]] solidifies its place as a marker of sacred defense and duty.
TRV