אֲוֵרָה
𐤀𐤅𐤓𐤄
ʼăvêrâh
H220 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A pen, enclosure, or stall, especially for animals; refers specifically to a sheltered area constructed for housing domesticated animals such as cattle or sheep. The term can also describe a small shed, compartment, or fold within a larger structure for keeping animals separate or safe. Semantic range encompasses any constructed animal shelter or compartment used for husbandry purposes.
Semantic Range
stall, animal shelter, enclosure, pen, fold, shed, compartment for livestock
Root / Etymology
Root/Etymology: Derived by transposition from אֻרְוָה (urvah), itself likely from the root אּוּר, meaning 'to be light, to give light, to be bright.' The connection between the notion of 'light' and 'stall/shelter' is uncertain and possibly based on folk etymology or non-Semitic influence. The precise root relationship is unclear; thus, etymology uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the very rare instance of its occurrence in biblical Hebrew (cf. Ezekiel 25:5), אֲוֵרָה refers to a structure designed for stabling domesticated animals, primarily camels. The term is used in context of agricultural or pastoral life, reflecting the need for shelter and containment of livestock. Its synonym, אֻרְוָה (urvah), is attested more frequently and carries a similar meaning. Later translation traditions render these terms variously as 'stall,' 'cote,' or 'fold,' though nuances exist in the type of animal and the structure's permanence. The English 'cote' and 'stall' may not fully convey the original architectural or functional distinctions present in the ancient Near Eastern context. No known shift in meaning is detectable in post-biblical Hebrew, where these terms do not persist. In contrast, more common terms like גֹּרֶן (goren, threshing floor) should not be confused with אֲוֵרָה or אֻרְוָה, which specifically designate animal shelters rather than places for processing crops.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
by transposition for אֻרְוָה; a stall; cote.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
אור (ʾ-w-r) — brightness, illumination; (nominal) stall, shelter
| 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
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H220-01 |
לָ/אֲוֵרֽוֹת | laaverot | HRd/Ncfpa |
for flocks | to animal stalls | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H220-01 |
2 Chronicles 32:28 | לָ/אֲוֵרֽוֹת | laaverot | HRd/Ncfpa |
for flocks | to animal stalls |