also (plural) פּוּרִים; or פֻּרִים; from פּוּר; a lot (as by means of a broken piece); Pur, Purim.
Transliteration:Pûwr
Pronunciation:poor
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word פּוּר (Pûwr), Strong's H6332, fundamentally denotes a "lot," specifically referring to a device used for casting lots, perhaps a broken piece or pebble. Its plural forms are פּוּרִים (Pûrîm) or פֻּרִים (Purim), which directly give their name to the Jewish festival. The underlying concept is one of chance or fate, determined by the casting of these lots. While the root "פּוּר" itself is not widely attested outside of this specific context, its meaning is clear from its usage, particularly in the Book of Esther, where it is central to the narrative's unfolding. It encapsulates the idea of a seemingly random or divinely ordained choice, made through a physical act of divination.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word פּוּר (Pûwr) and its plural forms appear exclusively within the Book of Esther, making its contextual analysis highly focused. Its primary occurrence is in [[Esther 3:7]], where Haman, the antagonist, casts the *pur* (lot) to determine the most auspicious day for the annihilation of all Jews in the Persian Empire. The text states, "In the first month, which is the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day and from month to month, to the twelfth month, which is the month Adar." This act was intended to give a divine or fated sanction to Haman's wicked plan.
The word reappears in [[Esther 9:24]], recounting Haman's original intent: "For Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur (that is, the lot) to crush them and destroy them." Crucially, the festival commemorating the Jews' deliverance is named after this very act. [[Esther 9:26]] states, "Therefore they called these days Purim, from the word Pur." This naming highlights the dramatic reversal: what was intended as a tool for destruction became the very namesake for a celebration of salvation. The subsequent verses, [[Esther 9:28]], [[Esther 9:29]], [[Esther 9:31]], and [[Esther 9:32]], refer to the festival of Purim, solidifying its place in Jewish tradition as a perpetual reminder of God's providential care. The context reveals a human attempt to manipulate fate through pagan means, which is then utterly subverted by divine intervention, turning the chosen day of destruction into a day of victory.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of casting lots is prevalent throughout the Hebrew Bible, though פּוּר (Pûwr) is unique to Esther. The most common Hebrew term for "lot" is `{{H1486}}` גּוֹרָל (gôrāl), which appears frequently in contexts such as the division of the land among the Israelite tribes ([[Numbers 26:55]]), the selection of sacrificial goats on the Day of Atonement ([[Leviticus 16:8]]), or the determination of priestly duties ([[1 Chronicles 24:5]]). Unlike the sacred or divinely sanctioned uses of `{{H1486}}` in Israelite practice, Haman's casting of the פּוּר (Pûwr) in Esther is presented as a pagan act of divination, seeking an arbitrary or superstitious determination.
Other related concepts include:
* **Divine Providence:** The narrative of Esther, particularly concerning the *pur*, powerfully illustrates the concept of God's hidden hand guiding events, even when His name is not explicitly mentioned. What appears to be chance or fate is ultimately under divine control.
* **Reversal of Fortune:** The very name Purim embodies the dramatic reversal of Haman's plans, turning a day of intended sorrow into one of joy and deliverance.
* **Feast of Purim:** This festival, named directly after the *pur*, serves as a perpetual reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant people and His ability to thwart the plans of their enemies.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פּוּר (Pûwr) is profound, especially given its exclusive appearance in the Book of Esther, a book unique for not explicitly mentioning God's name. Haman's casting of the *pur* represents an attempt to harness pagan fate or chance for malevolent purposes. However, the narrative masterfully demonstrates God's sovereignty over these seemingly random events. The lot, intended to seal the Jews' doom, inadvertently allowed sufficient time for Mordecai and Esther to act, leading to their deliverance. This illustrates a key theological principle: God's providence is not limited by human schemes or pagan superstitions. He works through and even subverts human actions, including those based on chance, to fulfill His divine purposes.
The transformation of the *pur* from a tool of destruction to the namesake of a joyous festival (Purim) underscores God's ability to turn evil intentions into good, sorrow into joy, and despair into salvation. It serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His people, even when they are in exile and seemingly abandoned. The festival of Purim thus becomes a perpetual theological object lesson, reminding generations that God is actively involved in history, orchestrating events behind the scenes to protect and deliver His chosen ones, often in unexpected ways.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פּוּר (Pûwr), H6332, refers to a "lot" cast to determine a course of action, appearing exclusively in the Book of Esther. Its most significant occurrence is in [[Esther 3:7]], where Haman casts the *pur* to select the day for the annihilation of the Jews. Despite Haman's intent to rely on chance or pagan divination, the narrative profoundly demonstrates God's sovereignty over all events. The very act of casting the *pur* ultimately provided the necessary time for divine intervention through Esther and Mordecai. Consequently, the festival commemorating the Jews' deliverance is named Purim ([[Esther 9:26]]), turning a symbol of intended destruction into a lasting memorial of God's providential care and the dramatic reversal of fortune. Thus, פּוּר (Pûwr) stands as a powerful testament to God's hidden hand working in history, subverting human evil for His redemptive purposes, and ensuring the preservation of His covenant people.
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