from עוּר; a foe (as watchful for mischief); enemy.
Transliteration:ʻâr
Pronunciation:awr
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word ʻâr (`{{H6145}}`) is derived from the verbal root ʻûr (`{{H5782}}`), which carries the primary meaning "to rouse oneself, to awaken, to stir up." This etymological connection is crucial for understanding the specific nuance of ʻâr. While often translated simply as "enemy" or "foe," ʻâr denotes an adversary characterized by active vigilance and malicious intent. It is not merely an opponent, but one who is "watchful for mischief" – an enemy who is alert, stirred up, and actively plotting harm. The semantic range thus extends beyond general opposition to encompass a more insidious and dangerous form of antagonism, marked by alertness and a readiness to act maliciously.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻâr (`{{H6145}}`) appears in two significant passages in the Hebrew Bible, each offering a distinct yet related contextual understanding:
1. **[[Psalm 138:7]]**: "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies [ʻâr], and your right hand delivers me." Here, ʻâr refers to the psalmist's personal adversaries. The mention of their "wrath" (אַף, aph) underscores the active and hostile nature of these foes. The psalmist's plea and subsequent declaration of God's deliverance highlight the immediate and tangible threat posed by these watchful enemies, emphasizing the need for divine intervention against their active malice.
2. **[[Job 16:9]]**: "He has torn me in his wrath and hated me; he has gnashed his teeth at me; my adversary [ʻâr] sharpens his eyes against me." This is a profoundly poignant and unique usage. In his deep anguish, Job perceives God Himself as his ʻâr. The imagery of "sharpening his eyes" (יִלְטוֹשׁ עֵינָיו) perfectly encapsulates the core meaning of ʻâr as one who is intensely watchful, scrutinizing, and actively intent on causing harm. This verse vividly portrays Job's feeling of being relentlessly pursued and maliciously observed by the very One who should be his protector. It speaks to the raw honesty of Job's lament, where his perception of God, in his suffering, aligns with the most insidious form of an enemy.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate the distinctiveness of ʻâr (`{{H6145}}`), it is helpful to compare it with other Hebrew terms for "enemy":
* **אוֹיֵב (`{{H341}}`)**: This is the most common and general term for "enemy" or "foe," often implying one who hates or is hostile. It can denote any adversary, without necessarily specifying their mode of operation.
* **צַר (`{{H6862}}`)**: Meaning "adversary" or "oppressor," this term often emphasizes the distress or narrowness (from the root צרר, "to be narrow, distressed") that an enemy inflicts. It highlights the oppressive nature of the foe.
* **שָׂטָן (`{{H7854}}`)**: "Adversary" or "accuser." This term can refer to human opponents in legal or military contexts, but famously also to the divine accuser, "Satan," who actively opposes God's purposes and His people.
While all these terms denote opposition, ʻâr (`{{H6145}}`) stands out due to its specific emphasis on the *active, watchful, and plotting* nature of the enemy, derived directly from its root ʻûr (`{{H5782}}`). It implies a more insidious and vigilant form of antagonism, one that is constantly alert for opportunities to inflict mischief.
### Theological Significance
The concept of ʻâr (`{{H6145}}`) carries significant theological weight, particularly in its portrayal of opposition and divine response:
1. **The Reality of Active Opposition**: The very existence of ʻâr underscores the biblical worldview that humanity, and especially God's people, face active and vigilant opposition. This is not passive resistance but an alert and potentially malicious force. In Psalm 138:7, it highlights the real and present danger posed by human adversaries.
2. **Divine Deliverance and Protection**: The presence of ʻâr necessitates divine intervention. In Psalm 138:7, God's "outstretched hand" and "right hand" are the means of deliverance from these watchful foes. This emphasizes God's sovereign power and His commitment to protecting His faithful from even the most insidious and vigilant enemies. It serves as a testament to God's active role as a deliverer.
3. **The Depths of Human Suffering and Perception**: Job's use of ʻâr (`{{H6145}}`) to describe God in [[Job 16:9]] is a profound theological statement on human suffering. It does not define God's inherent nature, but rather Job's agonizing perception of God's actions towards him. In his despair, Job experiences God not as a benevolent protector, but as a relentless, watchful adversary. This unique usage reveals the extreme psychological and spiritual distress that can lead a righteous individual to feel utterly abandoned and even opposed by the Divine. It invites reflection on the mystery of suffering and the limits of human understanding in the face of perceived divine antagonism.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ʻâr (`{{H6145}}`) denotes an "enemy" or "foe" whose defining characteristic is active vigilance and malicious intent, stemming from the root ʻûr (`{{H5782}}`), "to rouse oneself" or "to be stirred up." This specific nuance distinguishes it from more general terms for "enemy." Its occurrences in the biblical text, notably in [[Psalm 138:7]] and [[Job 16:9]], illustrate its dual significance: first, as a representation of real, active human adversaries from whom God delivers His people; and second, in the unique and poignant context of Job's lament, as a descriptor of how he perceives God's actions towards him in his profound suffering. Theologically, ʻâr highlights the reality of active opposition in the world, the necessity of divine deliverance from such foes, and the raw human experience of feeling utterly opposed, even by the Divine, in moments of extreme distress.
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