a primitive root (rather identical with through the idea of opening the eyes); to wake (literally or figuratively); (a-) wake(-n, up), lift up (self), [idiom] master, raise (up), stir up (self).
Transliteration:ʻûwr
Pronunciation:oor
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root ʻûwr (H5782) is a primitive root whose core meaning revolves around the concept of "waking" or "arousing." This fundamental idea is often linked to the opening of the eyes, implying a transition from a state of rest, unconsciousness, or inactivity to one of alertness, awareness, or dynamic engagement.
Its semantic range is broad, encompassing both literal and figurative applications:
* **Literal Waking:** To physically awaken from sleep (e.g., [[Psalm 3:5]]).
* **Figurative Arousing/Stirring Up:** To incite, stimulate, or provoke action, emotion, or passion. This can apply to individuals, groups, or even abstract concepts like love or wrath (e.g., [[Judges 5:12]], [[Song of Solomon 2:7]]).
* **Raising/Lifting Up:** To cause something to rise or to lift oneself up, often from a prone or inactive position. This can be metaphorical, referring to the raising of a spirit or a call to prominence (e.g., [[Isaiah 50:4]]).
* **Idiomatic "Mastering":** In some contexts, the idea of being "awake" or "alert" can lead to the sense of gaining mastery or prevailing, though this is a less common and more derived nuance.
The root can function both intransitively (to wake oneself up) and transitively (to wake someone or something else up).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root ʻûwr (H5782) appears numerous times throughout the Hebrew Bible, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Literal Physical Awakening:**
* [[1 Samuel 26:12]]: Describes Saul and Abner being in a deep sleep, such that "no one saw or knew or awoke" (וְלֹא נָקִיץ), emphasizing the depth of their slumber.
* [[Psalm 3:5]]: "I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustains me." Here, the psalmist attributes his physical awakening to God's protective and sustaining power, linking natural rest with divine care.
* [[Zechariah 4:1]]: The prophet is "woke... like a man who is awakened out of his sleep" by the angelic messenger to receive further visions, signifying a transition from a passive state to active reception of divine revelation.
* **Figurative Arousing/Stirring Up:**
* **Divine Action:** God is frequently depicted as the subject who ʻûwrs. He "stirs up" nations, kings, or individuals to fulfill His sovereign purposes, whether for judgment or deliverance.
* [[Isaiah 51:9]]: "Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake as in days of old..." This is a fervent plea for God's powerful intervention, personifying His arm as needing to be roused for action.
* [[Jeremiah 50:9]]: "For behold, I will stir up and bring against Babylon a company of great nations from the land of the north..." God actively orchestrates historical events and raises up agents of His will.
* **Human/Spiritual Action:**
* [[Judges 5:12]]: "Awake, awake, Deborah! Awake, awake, utter a song!" A powerful imperative calling Deborah to action, to lead and to prophesy.
* [[Song of Solomon 2:7]], [[3:5]], [[8:4]]: The repeated refrain, "I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases," underscores the sacred, spontaneous, and uncontrollable nature of true love, warning against premature or forced arousal of passion.
* [[Isaiah 50:4]]: "The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens me morning by morning; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught." This verse beautifully portrays God's continuous spiritual instruction and renewal, implying a daily spiritual awakening to divine wisdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ʻûwr connects with several other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **Antonym: `{{H3364}}` יָשֵׁן (yashen):** To sleep. This word represents the direct opposite state from which ʻûwr emerges. The contrast between sleep and awakening is a pervasive theme, both literally and metaphorically.
* **Parallel/Conjunctive: `{{H6965}}` קוּם (qum):** To rise, stand up. Often used in conjunction with ʻûwr, both verbs signify a transition from a prone or inactive state to an upright or active one. For example, [[Psalm 3:5]] uses both shakav (lie down), yashen (sleep), ʻûwr (wake), and qum (rise), illustrating a full cycle of rest and activity.
* **Conceptual Link: `{{H7225}}` רָוַח (rawach):** To be wide, spacious, to breathe freely. While not directly synonymous, the base definition of ʻûwr mentions "opening the eyes," which can be conceptually linked to the idea of opening or expanding, as seen in rawach.
* **Spiritual Vigilance:** The concept of ʻûwr resonates with the broader biblical theme of spiritual alertness, watchfulness, and readiness, particularly in the face of divine judgment or the coming of the Lord. This finds parallels in the New Testament with terms like `{{G1127}}` γρηγορέω (grēgoreō), meaning "to be awake, watchful."
### Theological Significance
The root ʻûwr carries significant theological weight, extending its meaning far beyond mere physical states:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative:** God is frequently portrayed as the ultimate "stirrer" or "awakener." He is not passive but actively involved in history, "waking up" nations, leaders, or His own power to execute His will, whether in judgment against sin or in deliverance for His people. This underscores His dynamic and sovereign control over all creation and events (e.g., [[Isaiah 51:9]], [[Jeremiah 50:9]]).
* **Call to Human Responsibility and Action:** The imperative "Awake!" serves as a powerful divine summons to humanity. It is a call to move from spiritual apathy, moral slumber, or ignorance to active obedience, repentance, and engagement with God's truth and purposes. This applies to individuals called to prophetic action ([[Judges 5:12]]) and to the collective people of God called to vigilance and renewed commitment ([[Isaiah 51:17]]).
* **Spiritual Renewal and Revival:** The act of "awakening" can symbolize spiritual renewal, a fresh impartation of life, strength, and purpose from God. The daily awakening described in [[Isaiah 50:4]] highlights God's continuous work of instruction and revitalization in the lives of His servants, pointing to a theology of ongoing grace and fresh mercies.
* **The Sacredness of Love and Passion:** The repeated warning in Song of Solomon not to "stir up or awaken love" until it pleases (e.g., [[Song of Solomon 2:7]]) conveys a profound theological truth about the sanctity and divine timing of intimate love. It suggests that true love is not something to be forced or manipulated but is a sacred gift that blossoms in its own time and manner, under divine blessing.
### Summary
The Hebrew root ʻûwr (H5782) is a versatile and potent term, fundamentally meaning "to wake" or "to arouse." Its semantic range extends from literal physical awakening to a rich array of figurative uses, including inciting action, stirring emotions, and raising up individuals or nations. Biblically, ʻûwr profoundly illustrates God's active sovereignty in orchestrating events and His ongoing work of spiritual instruction and renewal. Simultaneously, it serves as a powerful imperative for humanity to awaken from spiritual slumber to vigilance, obedience, and active engagement with God's will. The word stands in contrast to sleep (`{{H3364}}`) and often parallels the concept of rising (`{{H6965}}`), signifying a transition from inactivity to dynamic, purposeful existence, both physically and spiritually.
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