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עָגוּר

𐤏𐤂𐤅𐤓

ʻâgûwr

H5693 noun

SILEX Entry

Root עגר (uncertain) to twitter, to chirp, to emit high-pitched sounds (bird sound)

Definition

A small migratory bird, identified as the swallow. The word refers specifically to the bird species known for its rapid flight and distinctive twittering, and is used as a type of metaphor for restlessness or fleeting presence in biblical poetry. The primary lexical meaning is a swallow, with an emphasis on its swift, darting movement and migratory nature.

Semantic Range

swallow (bird species), migratory bird, poetic metaphor for restlessness or plaintiveness

Root / Etymology

Derived from an unused Hebrew root (likely *עגר or similar; root uncertain) that is thought to suggest the idea of twittering or chattering, as vocalized by small birds such as swallows. The form עָגוּר is considered a passive participle but functions as a noun referring to the bird itself. Etymological connections to roots in cognate Semitic languages are not certain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, עָגוּר appears in poetic contexts (e.g., Isaiah 38:14; Jeremiah 8:7), often paired with other birds to evoke feelings of plaintiveness, anxiety, or migratory behavior. The swallow was a familiar migratory bird in ancient Israel, and its seasonal movements and twittering calls made it a potent metaphor for transience or longing. The term is distinct from צִפּוֹר (generic 'bird') and from other specific species such as סוּס (crane). English translations almost universally render עָגוּר as 'swallow,' accurately reflecting its ornithological reference; however, the metaphorical nuance based on its migratory or restless character may be under-represented in translation. No associations with later symbolic meanings (e.g., in rabbinic literature) are present in biblical usage.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

passive part (but with active sense) of an unused root meaning to twitter; probably the swallow; swallow.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

עגר (ʿ-g-r) — twittering, chirping, high-pitched bird sounds

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H5693-02 וְ/עָג֔וּר veagur HC/Ncmsa and crane and swallow 1
H5693-01 עָגוּר֙ agur HNcmsa or a crane swallow 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H5693-01 Isaiah 38:14 עָגוּר֙ agur HNcmsa or a crane swallow
H5693-02 Jeremiah 8:7 וְ/עָג֔וּר veagur HC/Ncmsa and crane and swallow
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