or (in the plural) עָר; or עָיַר; (Judges 10:4), from עוּר; a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post); Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻîyr**, represented by `{{H5892}}`, is the primary term for **city**. It appears **1089 times** across **937 unique verses**, indicating its importance as a center of human life and divine activity. The root definition suggests a place guarded by a watch, but its use extends broadly to include any settlement, from a mere encampment to a major metropolis.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H5892}}` describes both human ambition and divine purpose. Early in Genesis, humanity gathers to **build** a **city** with a tower to make a name for themselves [[Genesis 11:4]]. The term is frequently used to denote a specific, populated place, such as Nineveh, the "great **city**" [[Jonah 1:2]]. It can also be used metaphorically; God declares He has made Jeremiah a "defenced **city**" [[Jeremiah 1:18]], and one who rules their spirit is greater than one who takes a **city** [[Proverbs 16:32]]. Most significantly, it is used for Jerusalem, which is called the "**city** of God" [[Psalms 48:1]] and "the holy **city**" [[Isaiah 52:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the nature and function of a city:
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This word is fundamentally linked to the creation of cities. Scripture speaks of God's promise that the **city** shall be **builded** upon its own heap [[Jeremiah 30:18]] and that desolate cities will be **built** again [[Isaiah 44:26]].
* `{{H2346}}` **chôwmâh** (a wall of protection): Walls are a key feature of a defended **city**. God promises to make Jeremiah like a city with "brasen **walls**" [[Jeremiah 1:18]], and in the siege of Jericho, the **wall** of the **city** falls down [[Joshua 6:5]].
* `{{H3427}}` **yâshab** (to dwell, to remain, to inhabit): Cities are places for populations to **inhabit**. Prophecies foretell that desolate cities will be made "to be **inhabited**" [[Isaiah 54:3]] and that Jerusalem will once again be **inhabited** [[Isaiah 44:26]].
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): This term for an individual dwelling is often used in connection with the larger **city**. The security of a **city** and a **house** are directly compared [[Psalms 127:1]], and when a **city** is captured, the **houses** within are rifled [[Zechariah 14:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5892}}` is expressed through its role in God's covenant relationship with Israel.
* **A Focus of Blessing and Curse:** The **city** is a primary location where God’s covenantal promises are realized. Obedience brings blessing in the **city** [[Deuteronomy 28:3]], while disobedience brings a curse in the **city** [[Deuteronomy 28:16]].
* **An Object of Divine Judgment and Salvation:** The **city** is often the target of God's judgment due to its sin, with warnings of destruction and desolation ([[Jeremiah 4:7]], [[Leviticus 26:31]]). Yet, God also promises to defend and save His **city** for His own sake [[Isaiah 37:35]].
* **A Symbol of God's Presence and Restoration:** The **city** of Jerusalem, or Zion, becomes a symbol of God's presence among His people. It is called "The **city** of the LORD" [[Isaiah 60:14]] and a "**city** not forsaken" [[Isaiah 62:12]]. Its ultimate restoration culminates in its name being declared, "The LORD is there" [[Ezekiel 48:35]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5892}}` signifies far more than a physical location. It represents the heart of community, security, and human endeavor. Scripture uses the **city** as a canvas to portray themes of human pride, divine judgment, and God's ultimate plan for redemption and restoration, where His holy **city** becomes the eternal dwelling place of His people.
TRV