עָר
𐤏𐤓
ʻâr
H6146 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An adversary, enemy, or opponent—specifically, one who acts with intent to harm, oppose, or obstruct another; used almost exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible (notably in Daniel), parallel in meaning to Hebrew אויב (enemy). In context, typically denotes active hostility rather than a passive rival.
Semantic Range
enemy, adversary, opponent, one vigilant in hostility, political foe
Root / Etymology
Root/Etymology: From Aramaic root ער (ʿ-r), which likely means 'to be watchful' or 'to keep awake.' The root carries a sense of alertness or vigilance, which extends in this nominal form (עָר) to one who is watchful in opposition—thus, an enemy. Cognate with Hebrew ער (ʿ-r), which means 'to be awake, alert, aroused.' The shift from the idea of wakefulness to enmity reflects the opponent's vigilance in hostility.
Historical & Contextual Notes
This term appears only in the Aramaic portions of the Tanakh (notably Daniel 4:16, 4:19, and Ezra 4:1), distinct from Hebrew terms such as אויב (oyev, 'enemy') or צר (tsar, 'adversary'). The association between watchfulness and enmity is attested in other Semitic languages; an enemy is imagined as ever watchful for an opportunity to cause harm. English translations (e.g., 'enemy,' 'foe') generally reflect the basic meaning, though the connotation of intense, watchful hostility is more pronounced than for some Hebrew equivalents. In the Aramaic of the Persian period, this term can also refer to political opponents or those in opposition to Israelite/Judahite/Judean interests, sometimes specifically in the context of opposition during the Persian restoration.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to עָר; {a foe (as watchful for mischief)}; enemy.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
ער (ʿ-r) — to be awake, to be alert, to watch
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H6180 | עֵרִי | the Erite |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6146-02 |
ל/ערי/ך | lrykh | AR/Ncmpc/Sp2ms |
to-[your]-enemies | to your watchful adversaries | 1 |
H6146-01 |
לְ/עָרָֽ/ךְ | learakhe | AR/Ncmsc/Sp2ms |
to-you | to your watchful adversary | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6146-02 |
Daniel 4:16 | ל/ערי/ך | lrykh | AR/Ncmpc/Sp2ms |
to-[your]-enemies | to your watchful adversaries |
H6146-01 |
Daniel 4:16 | לְ/עָרָֽ/ךְ | learakhe | AR/Ncmsc/Sp2ms |
to-you | to your watchful adversary |