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).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻûwr**, represented by `{{H5782}}`, carries the core idea of waking up, either literally or figuratively. It appears 81 times across 65 unique verses, and its base definition includes concepts like to wake, lift up, raise up, or stir up. This term is used to describe everything from a person waking from sleep to God rousing a nation for His purposes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H5782}}` is frequently used to depict God as the primary mover of history. The LORD is shown to **stir up** the spirit of pagan kings like Cyrus of Persia to fulfill His prophecies ([[Ezra 1:1]], [[2 Chronicles 36:22]]). It is also a powerful command for spiritual and national revival, as seen in the repeated cry, "**Awake**, **awake**; put on thy strength, O Zion" [[Isaiah 52:1]]. The word can also describe the instigation of conflict, as when hatred **stirreth up** strifes [[Proverbs 10:12]] or when the Lord **raises up** nations for battle [[Jeremiah 50:9]]. In a more personal context, it describes the heart **waketh** even during sleep [[Song of Solomon 5:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify and expand upon the concept of being roused or raised up:
* `{{H7307}}` **rûwach** (spirit, wind, breath): This word is often the object of `{{H5782}}`. God's action of "stirring up" is frequently directed at the **spirit** of a leader or a people to motivate them to action [[Haggai 1:14]].
* `{{H6965}}` **qûwm** (to rise, stand up): Often used in parallel with `{{H5782}}`, this word emphasizes the resulting action of being awakened. For instance, the prophetess Deborah is told to "**awake**, **awake**... **arise**, Barak" [[Judges 5:12]], linking the internal rousing with the external act of rising.
* `{{H6974}}` **qûwts** (to awake): This word is closely related and sometimes used synonymously with `{{H5782}}` to mean waking from sleep. In some passages, the two are used together to intensify the call, as in the plea, "**Stir up** thyself, and **awake** to my judgment" [[Psalms 35:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5782}}` is significant, highlighting God's direct and sovereign action in the world.
* **Divine Instigation:** The word demonstrates that God actively intervenes in human affairs. He **raises up** leaders [[Isaiah 45:13]], **stirs up** nations to enact His judgment [[Isaiah 13:17]], and rouses the spirits of individuals to accomplish His will [[Ezra 1:5]].
* **Call to Revival:** Prophets use `{{H5782}}` as an urgent plea for God's people to awaken from spiritual slumber and lethargy. The call for Jerusalem to "**Awake**, **awake**, stand up" is a command to shake off the effects of judgment and reclaim its holy identity [[Isaiah 51:17]].
* **Prophetic Action and Judgment:** The term is used in profound prophetic contexts. In a messianic prophecy, a command is given: "**Awake**, O sword, against my shepherd" [[Zechariah 13:7]], initiating a divine judgment. God also **stirs up** Himself, as when He is **raised up** out of His holy habitation to act [[Zechariah 2:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5782}}` is a dynamic verb that transcends the simple meaning of waking from sleep. It is a cornerstone for understanding divine sovereignty, portraying God as the one who rouses spirits, raises kings, and calls His people to action. From stirring the heart of a single individual to orchestrating the movements of empires, **ʻûwr** illustrates how God awakens and activates His creation to fulfill His ultimate plan.
TRV