a primitive root; to crush; break, bring to nought, [idiom] utterly take.
Transliteration:pûwr
Pronunciation:poor
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma פּוּר (pûwr, `{{H6331}}`) is a primitive root in Hebrew, signifying a foundational action. Its core meaning encompasses the physical act of "crushing" or "breaking." This primary sense extends semantically to more abstract concepts, including "bringing to nought" (implying annihilation, nullification, or rendering something ineffective) and, idiomatically, "utterly taking" (suggesting complete destruction or removal). The word thus describes a powerful, often destructive, action that results in the complete undoing or obliteration of its object.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verbal form of the root פּוּר (pûwr, `{{H6331}}`) is remarkably rare in the Hebrew Bible. Its most prominent and impactful appearance is in its nominal derivative, פּוּר (pûr, `{{H6332}}`), which means "lot" or "destiny," found exclusively in the book of Esther. The Feast of Purim, commemorating the deliverance of the Jews, derives its name from this noun, as it refers to the casting of lots by Haman to determine the day for the proposed annihilation of the Jewish people ([[Esther 3:7]], [[Esther 9:24]]). While the noun refers to lots, the underlying connection to the verbal root's meaning of "crushing" or "breaking" can be inferred, as the lot-casting was intended to "crush" the Jewish nation. The rarity of פּוּר as a verb suggests its meaning might have been more specialized, archaic, or primarily expressed through its nominal form, with other more common verbs like `{{H7533}}` or `{{H5307}}` typically conveying the physical act of crushing or breaking.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H6332}}` פּוּר (pûr):** The direct noun derivative, meaning "lot" or "destiny," central to the narrative of Esther and the Feast of Purim ([[Esther 9:26]]). The link to the root פּוּר (crush/break) can be understood as the lot "breaking open" or "determining" a fate, often with destructive intent.
* **`{{H7533}}` רָצַץ (râtsats):** A frequently used verb meaning "to crush, break in pieces," often applied to physical violence, oppression, or the breaking of bones ([[Job 4:19]], [[Psalm 74:14]]). It shares the literal "crushing" aspect with פּוּר.
* **`{{H5307}}` נָפַץ (nâphats):** Meaning "to shatter, break in pieces," this verb is commonly used for breaking objects, nations, or individuals ([[Jeremiah 13:14]], [[Psalm 2:9]]). It conveys a similar sense of destructive force.
* **`{{H2040}}` הָרַס (haras):** This verb means "to tear down, break down, destroy," often applied to structures, systems, or plans ([[Jeremiah 1:10]], [[Proverbs 14:1]]). It aligns with the "bringing to nought" aspect of פּוּר.
* The broader biblical concept of divine judgment often involves "crushing" or "breaking" the power of wicked nations or individuals, reflecting God's ultimate authority to bring things to nought.
### Theological Significance
Despite the verbal rarity of פּוּר (pûwr, `{{H6331}}`), its core semantic range of "crushing" or "bringing to nought" carries profound theological weight. In the book of Esther, Haman's casting of the פּוּר (lot) was a calculated act to "crush" and "bring to nought" the entire Jewish people. This human act of malevolence, aiming at utter destruction, starkly highlights the reality of evil intentions and the precariousness of life in a fallen world. However, the narrative of Esther dramatically illustrates God's sovereign intervention. What was meticulously planned by Haman to "crush" God's people was ultimately "crushed" by God's providence, leading to their miraculous deliverance and the establishment of the Feast of Purim. This serves as a powerful biblical illustration of a recurring theological theme: while adversaries may devise plans to "crush" God's purposes or His chosen people, God frequently turns their destructive intentions back upon themselves ([[Psalm 7:15-16]]). God's ultimate power to "bring to nought" the schemes of the wicked is a foundational assurance for His people, affirming His supreme control and protective care over His covenant promises ([[Isaiah 8:10]], [[Psalm 33:10]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew root פּוּר (pûwr, `{{H6331}}`) fundamentally means "to crush," "to break," or "to bring to nought." While its verbal attestations are scarce, its conceptual significance is powerfully conveyed through its nominal derivative, פּוּר (pûr, `{{H6332}}`), meaning "lot," as famously depicted in the book of Esther. The act of Haman casting the פּוּר to determine the day for the annihilation of the Jewish people underscores the word's inherent connection to destructive intent. Yet, the divine reversal in Esther transforms this symbol of intended "crushing" into a testament to God's ultimate sovereignty. God "brings to nought" the plans of the wicked, turning their malevolent intentions back upon them and ensuring the deliverance of His people. Thus, פּוּר subtly but profoundly illustrates the tension between human evil and divine providence, affirming God's ultimate triumph over all attempts to destroy His purposes.
TRV