a primitive root; also denominative from קִיר; to trench; by implication, to throw forth; to wall up, whether literal (to build a wall) or figurative (to estop); break down, cast out, destroy, dig.
Transliteration:qûwr
Pronunciation:koor
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root קוּר (qûwr, `{{H6979}}`) presents a fascinating and somewhat paradoxical semantic range, stemming from its dual etymological heritage. Primarily, it functions as a primitive root signifying "to trench" or "to dig." This core meaning implies an action of excavation, shaping the ground by removal of material. However, the definition explicitly states it is also denominative from קִיר (qîr, `{{H7023}}`), meaning "wall." This connection imbues קוּר with the contrasting sense of "to wall up" or "to build a wall," implying construction and enclosure.
From these foundational meanings, the root expands to encompass a broader spectrum of actions. "To trench" can lead to the implication "to throw forth" (i.e., excavated material). "To wall up" can extend figuratively to "to estop" or "to block," creating an impediment. Conversely, the root also includes destructive actions such as "to break down," "to cast out," and "to destroy." Thus, קוּר describes a dynamic interaction with physical structures or the ground itself, capable of both creation (building, trenching for foundations) and demolition (breaking down, destroying), as well as actions of removal (casting out) or obstruction (estop).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Given its diverse semantic range, קוּר (qûwr, `{{H6979}}`) would appear in contexts describing significant physical actions upon the environment or structures.
* **Excavation and Foundation:** In its sense of "to trench" or "to dig," the verb would describe the preparation of ground, perhaps for fortifications, foundations for buildings, or even graves. This aspect highlights the initial, foundational work involved in construction or the deliberate alteration of terrain.
* **Construction and Enclosure:** When used to mean "to wall up" or "to build a wall," קוּר would depict the act of erecting defensive structures, enclosing spaces, or defining boundaries. This speaks to security, separation, or the establishment of a dwelling.
* **Demolition and Destruction:** The meaning "to break down" or "to destroy" points to contexts of warfare, judgment, or the undoing of previous construction. This is a powerful action signifying the dismantling of human efforts or divine intervention in bringing down established order.
* **Expulsion and Obstruction:** The sense of "to cast out" suggests removal, expulsion, or rejection, while "to estop" implies the creation of a barrier or the cessation of movement. These applications highlight the verb's capacity to describe actions that prevent, remove, or halt.
The precise nuance of קוּר in any given passage would depend heavily on the immediate linguistic and situational context, requiring careful attention to the surrounding verbs and nouns to discern whether the action is constructive, destructive, prohibitive, or expulsive. The verb's inherent dynamism makes it a potent descriptor of impactful change.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the noun from which קוּר (qûwr, `{{H6979}}`) is denominative: קִיר (qîr, `{{H7023}}`), meaning "wall." This direct etymological link is crucial for understanding the verb's capacity for both building and destroying walls.
Other conceptually related words include:
* **Building:** בָּנָה (bānāh, `{{H1129}}`), "to build, to establish." While בָּנָה is the general term for building, קוּר specifically emphasizes the act of "walling up," a particular aspect of construction.
* **Digging/Mining:** חָפַר (ḥāphar, `{{H2658}}`), "to dig, search out." This shares the "digging" aspect with קוּר, but קוּר's "trenching" often implies a more linear or foundational excavation.
* **Destroying/Breaking Down:** הָרַס (hāras, `{{H2040}}`), "to break down, overthrow, tear down." This verb is a strong parallel to the destructive aspects of קוּר, particularly in the context of dismantling structures. נָתַץ (nāthath, `{{H5422}}`), "to pull down, break down," also shares this destructive force.
* **Casting Out/Throwing:** שָׁלַךְ (shālakh, `{{H7993}}`), "to cast, throw, send." This verb shares the "throw forth" implication of קוּר, especially when referring to the disposal of excavated material or the expulsion of individuals.
The relationship between קוּר and these other verbs highlights its unique position as a root that encompasses both the constructive and deconstructive manipulation of physical barriers and ground.
### Theological Significance
The broad semantic range of קוּר (qûwr, `{{H6979}}`) offers profound theological implications, reflecting God's sovereignty over creation, order, judgment, and deliverance.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Order and Disorder:** God is presented throughout Scripture as the ultimate builder and the ultimate destroyer. The capacity of קוּר to mean both "to wall up" (build) and "to break down" (destroy) resonates with prophetic declarations where God declares His intent to "pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant" (e.g., [[Jeremiah 1:10]]). This verb can thus describe the divine hand in establishing nations and tearing them down, in creating boundaries and obliterating them.
* **Judgment and Consequence:** In its destructive aspects ("break down," "destroy," "cast out"), קוּר can signify divine judgment against human pride, rebellion, or injustice. The breaking down of walls can symbolize the dismantling of false security or the exposure of sin. The "casting out" can represent expulsion from God's presence or covenant blessings due to disobedience.
* **Protection and Obstruction:** When used in the sense of "to wall up" or "to estop," it can reflect God's protective hand in creating a hedge around His people, or conversely, His act of obstructing the wicked. It can also describe human actions that create barriers to truth or justice.
* **Foundational Work:** The sense of "to trench" or "to dig" can metaphorically represent the foundational work of God in establishing His covenant, His laws, or the very fabric of creation. It speaks to the deliberate and purposeful preparation for what is to come.
Ultimately, קוּר serves as a powerful verb to describe the active, often decisive, intervention in the physical and metaphorical landscape, whether by divine decree or human agency, with consequences that shape destiny.
### Summary
The Hebrew root קוּר (qûwr, `{{H6979}}`) is a dynamic and multifaceted verb. Its core meaning encompasses both "to trench" or "to dig" and, by denominative association with קִיר (qîr, `{{H7023}}`, "wall"), "to wall up" or "to build a wall." From these foundational actions, its semantic range expands to include "to throw forth," "to estop," "to break down," "to cast out," and "to destroy." This duality allows קוּר to describe actions of construction, excavation, and enclosure, as well as demolition, expulsion, and obstruction. Theologically, it reflects God's sovereign power to establish and dismantle, to protect and judge, making it a verb of profound and impactful change within the biblical narrative.
TRV