or קִר; (Isaiah 22:5), or (feminine) קִירָה; from קוּר; a wall (as built in a trench); [phrase] mason, side, town, [idiom] very, wall.
Transliteration:qîyr
Pronunciation:keer
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H7023 (קִיר, *qîyr*) fundamentally denotes a "wall," particularly one constructed with a strong foundation, as implied by the phrase "built in a trench." This foundational aspect suggests stability, permanence, and often a defensive purpose. The lemma can also appear as קִר (*qir*) as seen in [[Isaiah 22:5]], or in its feminine form, קִירָה (*qîyrāh*). Its etymological root, קוּר (*qûwr*), likely points to the act of digging or burrowing, reinforcing the idea of a deep, solid base for construction.
Beyond its literal meaning as a structural barrier, *qîyr* extends semantically to encompass:
* **A structural side:** Referring to the flank or face of a building or enclosure.
* **A fortified town:** By extension, the wall is so integral to a city's identity and defense that the term can represent the settlement itself.
* **Masonry:** The material or work of the mason, highlighting the constructed nature of the wall.
* **An intensive idiom:** The usage "very" or "exceedingly" suggests an idiomatic application where the solidity or impregnability of a wall emphasizes a superlative quality, perhaps "wall-like strength" or "utterly."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *qîyr* appears in various biblical contexts, primarily referring to physical structures, but imbued with significant meaning.
* **Defensive City Walls:** Most prominently, *qîyr* describes the fortified walls of cities, crucial for protection and defining urban boundaries. For instance, in [[Joshua 6:5]], the "wall" of Jericho is destined to fall, signifying divine judgment and the collapse of human defenses. Similarly, in [[Nehemiah 2:17]], Nehemiah laments the broken "walls" of Jerusalem, underscoring the city's vulnerability and the people's disgrace, leading to his monumental rebuilding efforts. The "wall" of a city is not merely a barrier but a symbol of its strength, security, and identity.
* **Walls of Houses and Buildings:** *Qîyr* also denotes the walls of individual dwellings or larger structures. In [[Amos 5:19]], the prophet speaks of one fleeing a lion only to lean his hand on a "wall" and be bitten by a snake, illustrating inescapable judgment. In descriptions of the Tabernacle or Temple, *qîyr* can refer to the inner or outer "sides" or "walls" of the sacred space, emphasizing their structural integrity and boundary-setting function ([[Exodus 26:20]], [[1 Kings 6:15]]).
* **Figurative and Idiomatic Use:** The use of *qîyr* can extend to metaphorical or idiomatic expressions. In [[Jeremiah 1:18]], the prophet is appointed as a "fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls" against the land, depicting immense spiritual resilience and divine empowerment. The idiomatic use of "very" (as in "wall, yes, a wall" or "utterly walled") likely emphasizes the completeness or impregnability of something, drawing on the inherent strength and solidity of a well-built wall.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding H7023 includes several other Hebrew terms for walls and related structures, each with distinct nuances:
* חֹמָה (*chomah* - `{{H2346}}`): This is perhaps the most common word for a "city wall," often emphasizing its defensive, outer perimeter. While *qîyr* can also refer to city walls, *chomah* more consistently carries this specific connotation of a large, fortified external barrier.
* גָּדֵר (*gader* - `{{H1447}}`): This term typically refers to a "fence," "hedge," or a lower stone wall, often used for enclosures, vineyards, or property boundaries, suggesting a less massive or defensive structure than *qîyr* or *chomah*.
* שַׁעַר (*sha'ar* - `{{H8179}}`): While meaning "gate," gates are inextricably linked to walls, serving as points of entry and exit, and often being the most vulnerable or strategically important parts of a city's defenses.
* The root קוּר (*qûwr*), from which *qîyr* is derived, likely relates to the act of digging or establishing a foundation, underscoring the deep-seated, stable nature of the "wall" it produces.
The concept of *qîyr* is thus deeply intertwined with themes of:
* **Defense and Security:** Walls provide protection from external threats.
* **Boundary and Separation:** Walls delineate spaces, separating inside from outside, sacred from profane, or one group from another.
* **Foundation and Stability:** A wall built in a trench implies a strong, enduring structure.
* **Human Endeavor and Divine Power:** Walls are built by human hands, yet their fate (whether standing or falling) is often determined by divine decree.
### Theological Significance
The word *qîyr* and the concept of walls carry profound theological weight throughout the biblical narrative.
* **Divine Protection and Presence:** God is often depicted as a "wall" of protection for His people. In [[Zechariah 2:5]], the Lord declares, "For I myself will be a wall of fire around it, declares the Lord, and I will be its glory in its midst." Here, the wall symbolizes God's impenetrable defense and His indwelling presence, providing ultimate security for Jerusalem. This imagery conveys absolute safety and divine guardianship.
* **Separation and Sin:** Conversely, walls can represent human sin and the separation it creates between God and humanity. [[Isaiah 59:2]] states, "But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you." While not using *qîyr* directly, the concept of a dividing wall due to sin is a pervasive theological theme.
* **Judgment and Destruction:** The breaching or collapse of walls often signifies divine judgment and the downfall of nations or cities that have rebelled against God. The iconic fall of Jericho's walls ([[Joshua 6:20]]) is a powerful testament to God's power over human fortifications. The lament over the broken walls of Jerusalem in the book of Lamentations reflects the devastating consequences of sin and divine discipline ([[Lamentations 2:8-9]]).
* **Restoration and Hope:** The rebuilding of walls, most notably in the book of Nehemiah, symbolizes spiritual and national restoration. The completion of Jerusalem's wall under Nehemiah's leadership was not merely an architectural achievement but a sign of God's faithfulness, the restoration of Israel's dignity, and the renewal of their covenant relationship ([[Nehemiah 6:15-16]]). The future vision of the New Jerusalem also includes magnificent walls ([[Revelation 21:12-14]]), symbolizing its divine perfection, security, and the presence of God among His redeemed people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H7023 (קִיר, *qîyr*) denotes a "wall," particularly one built with a deep, stable foundation, signifying strength and permanence. Its semantic range extends from the physical walls of houses and fortified cities to the very concept of masonry and, idiomatically, to an expression of intensity or absolute strength. Biblically, *qîyr* is a potent symbol. It represents human efforts at defense and security, yet its ultimate fate rests in divine hands, illustrating God's power over all human constructs. Theologically, walls embody themes of divine protection and presence, the separation caused by sin, the devastation of judgment, and the hope of restoration. Understanding *qîyr* illuminates the biblical narrative's rich tapestry of human vulnerability, divine sovereignty, and the enduring promise of God's redemptive work.
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