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אוֹרָה

𐤀𐤅𐤓𐤄

ʼôwrâh

H219 noun

SILEX Entry

Root אוֹר to be light, shine, be bright

Definition

A state or quality of light or radiance, both in a literal and metaphorical sense; used of illumination (natural or supernatural), brightness, or prosperity. In certain contexts, refers specifically to a bright-appearing plant, likely an herb or grass reflecting light. The primary sense emphasizes a manifestation or presence of light, extending secondarily to associated ideas of well-being, flourishing, or distinction.

Semantic Range

light, brightness, radiance, gleam, prosperity (figurative), well-being (figurative), bright plant, herb (poetic)

Root / Etymology

From the root אוֹר (ʼ-w-r), which primarily means 'to shine' or 'to give light.' אוֹרָה is the feminine form of the noun אוֹר ('light'). Its derivation underscores a quality or manifestation of shining, rather than the mere act of illumination. The sense 'herb/plant' emerges via metaphorical extension, where the sparkle or brightness of certain plants in sunlight provides a natural image for 'light.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

אוֹרָה appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible (notably in Esther 8:16; Isaiah 26:19 and possibly some poetic contexts). In Esther 8:16, the term denotes metaphorical 'light,' standing for joy, prosperity, or general well-being, reflecting a broader ancient Near Eastern metaphor of light with life and happiness. In Isaiah 26:19, the context of resurrection connects 'light' to new life and vitality. The meaning 'herb' (Job 8:12) is debated—some understand it as a plant bright from dew or sunlight, others as a poetic use of 'light' for something flourishing. Later rabbinic and translation traditions sometimes render אוֹרָה as 'light' or associate it with enlightenment, and in medieval translations, it is occasionally misunderstood as 'herb.' Modern English translations generally render אוֹרָה as 'light' or 'brightness,' but may not always capture its metaphorical or botanical nuances.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

feminine of אוֹר; luminousness, i.e. (figuratively) prosperity; also a plant (as being bright); herb, light.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

אור (ʾ-w-r) — light, shining, brightness

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H1160 בְּעוֹר light of
H215 אוֹר Cause to shine
H216 אוֹר in your light
H217 אוּר in the fire
H218 אוּר in Ur

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H219-03 אֹרֹת֒ orot HNcfpa herbs skins of 2
H219-01 כָּ/אוֹרָֽה kaorah HRd/Ncfsa like-light radiance 1
H219-02 אוֹרָ֖ה orah HNcfsa light her radiance 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H219-03 2 Kings 4:39 אֹרֹת֒ orot HNcfpa herbs skins of
H219-03 Isaiah 26:19 אוֹרֹת֙ orot HNcfpa of lights skins of
H219-01 Psalms 139:12 כָּ/אוֹרָֽה kaorah HRd/Ncfsa like-light radiance
H219-02 Esther 8:16 אוֹרָ֖ה orah HNcfsa light her radiance
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