בִּירָה
𐤁𐤉𐤓𐤄
bîyrâh
H1002 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A large, fortified building or citadel, typically serving as a palace, governmental complex, or main fortress; by extension, the central or most significant administrative or defensive structure within a city. The term often denotes a significant complex serving royal, administrative, or protective functions rather than an ordinary residence or general structure.
Semantic Range
citadel, fortress, palace, main administrative complex, governmental or military stronghold
Root / Etymology
Loanword; etymology uncertain. The term does not derive from a known native Semitic root and is widely regarded as a borrowing, perhaps from Old Persian 'baira' (fortress, palace) or Akkadian 'bīru' (fortress, castle). Its adoption into Biblical Hebrew reflects external influence during the exilic or early post-exilic periods.
Historical & Contextual Notes
בִּירָה appears only in exilic and later biblical literature, especially in texts from the Persian and Hellenistic periods (e.g., Ezra, Nehemiah, Daniel, 1 Chronicles, Esther). In these contexts, it consistently refers to a prominent citadel or palace, such as 'the citadel of Susa' (שׁוּשַׁן הַבִּירָה) or the chief fortress adjacent to Jerusalem’s temple complex. In Persian imperial settings, the בִּירָה was an administrative and military center, underscoring its functional and symbolic importance. Earlier Israelite texts do not use this term, typically employing טירה or מִגְדָּל for fortification, or הֵיכָל for a palace/temple; בִּירָה is thus associated with a later administrative vocabulary influenced by foreign rule. Standard English translations render it as 'citadel,' 'palace,' or on occasion 'castle'; however, 'citadel' or 'fortress' best capture its role as a primary, often walled, administrative or royal complex rather than merely a luxurious dwelling.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of foreign origin; a castle or palace; palace.
Bantu Hebrew
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ביר (b-y-r) — fortress, citadel, fortified palace complex
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1002-01 |
הַ/בִּירָֽה | habirah | HTd/Ncfsa |
the citadel | the citadel | 16 |
Occurrences in Scripture
16 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1002-01 |
Esther 1:2 | הַ/בִּירָֽה | habirah | HTd/Ncfsa |
the citadel | the citadel |
H1002-01 |
Esther 1:5 | הַ/בִּירָ֜ה | habirah | HTd/Ncfsa |
the citadel | the citadel |
H1002-01 |
Esther 2:3 | הַ/בִּירָה֙ | habirah | HTd/Ncfsa |
the citadel | the citadel |
H1002-01 |
Esther 2:5 | הַ/בִּירָ֑ה | habirah | HTd/Ncfsa |
the citadel | the citadel |
H1002-01 |
Esther 2:8 | הַ/בִּירָ֖ה | habirah | HTd/Ncfsa |
the citadel | the citadel |
H1002-01 |
Esther 3:15 | הַ/בִּירָ֑ה | habirah | HTd/Ncfsa |
the citadel | the citadel |
H1002-01 |
Esther 8:14 | הַ/בִּירָֽה | habirah | HTd/Ncfsa |
the citadel | the citadel |
H1002-01 |
Esther 9:6 | הַ/בִּירָ֗ה | habirah | HTd/Ncfsa |
the citadel | the citadel |
H1002-01 |
Esther 9:11 | הַ/בִּירָ֖ה | habirah | HTd/Ncfsa |
the citadel | the citadel |
H1002-01 |
Esther 9:12 | הַ/בִּירָ֡ה | habirah | HTd/Ncfsa |
the citadel | the citadel |