The meaning of “צוּר”
Understanding tsûwr reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
or צֻר tsur (tsoor); from צוּר edge, [idiom] (mighty) God (one), rock, [idiom] sharp, stone, [idiom] strength, [idiom] s...
צוּר
or צֻר tsur (tsoor); from צוּר edge, [idiom] (mighty) God (one), rock, [idiom] sharp, stone, [idiom] strength, [idiom] strong. See also בֵּית צוּר. - properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed) - generally, a rock or boulder - figuratively, a refuge - also an edge (as precipitous) 1) rock, cliff 1a) rocky wall, cliff 1b) rock (with flat surface) 1c) block of stone, boulder 1d) rock (specific) 1e) rock (of God) 1f) rock (of heathen gods) n pr dei 1g) Rock
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Exodus 33:21 | “And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:” Word: צוּר (tsûwr) | |
| Joshua 5:3 | “And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.” Word: צוּר (tsûwr) | |
| 2 Samuel 22:32 | “For who is God, save the Lord? and who is a rock, save our God?” Word: צוּר (tsûwr) | |
| Psalms 73:26 | “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” Word: צוּר (tsûwr) | |
| Jeremiah 21:13 | “Behold, I am against thee, O inhabitant of the valley, and rock of the plain, saith the Lord; which say, Who shall come down against us? or who shall enter into our habitations?” Word: צוּר (tsûwr) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Rock
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Rock, cliff, fortress
The Hebrew tsur (צוּר) means rock—a title for God emphasizing stability and protection. 'He is the Rock, his work is perfect' (Deuteronomy 32:4). Moses struck the rock and water flowed (Exodus 17:6).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Rock, bedrock
The Greek petra (πέτρα) means rock or bedrock—a solid foundation. Christ is the rock upon which the church is built (Matthew 16:18), and 'that Rock was Christ' (1 Corinthians 10:4).