← H6698 H6700 →

צוּרָה

𐤑𐤅𐤓𐤄

tsûwrâh

H6699 noun

SILEX Entry

Root צור to press, to form, to bind, to shape

Definition

Physical form, shape, or outline of an object; also, in poetic and metaphorical contexts, a physical or visual manifestation (such as an image, likeness, or appearance). Rarely, the term denotes a literal rock or rocky formation.

Semantic Range

physical form, shape, outline, configuration, fashioned image, external appearance, carved likeness, physical or poetic rock, manifestation

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root צוּר (ts-w-r), which fundamentally means 'to press, to form, to shape, to bind together,' especially with reference to forming by pressing or squeezing. צוּרָה (tsûwrâh) is a feminine noun indicating the result or product of shaping, thus 'form, image, shape, outline,' and in rare cases, the concrete sense of 'rock.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In biblical usage, צוּרָה primarily describes external form or visible shape, whether of tangible objects, crafted images, or even abstract entities like dreams or ideas (cf. 1 Kings 7:31; Ezekiel 8:10). It can also denote the artistic or fashioned aspect of an object, distinguishing it from terms such as תֶּבֶן (teven, 'straw') which indicate substance without form. In Job 28:10, the context likely refers to the form or channel cut in rock, blending the notions of physical rock and shaped form. Later Hebrew continues to use צוּרָה for 'form' or 'appearance.' The use of צוּרָה as 'rock' is rare and often poetic; the standard Hebrew word for 'rock' is צוּר (tsûr). English translations may under- or over-literalize the sense, sometimes rendering it as 'form,' 'image,' 'pattern,' or, less often, 'rock.' In ancient Israelite thought, 'form' and 'substance' are frequently distinguished, and צוּרָה emphasizes visible configuration over material essence. The term does not attain the abstract philosophical nuance of 'form' in later Greek use but can refer to imaginary or artistic representation. Occurrences outside poetry or artistic context are uncommon.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

feminine of צוּר; a rock (Job 28:10); also a form (as if pressed out); form, rock.

Bantu Hebrew

No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.

+ Add Bantu Hebrew Word

Root Family

צור (ts-w-r) — to press, to form, to bind, to shape

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H1049 בֵּית צוּר Rock
H4692 מָצוֹר in the siege
H4693 מָצוֹר besieged stronghold
H4694 מְצוּרָה the fortified places
H6676 צַוַּאר her nape

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H6699-01 צוּרַ֣ת tsurat HNcfsc form-of form-of 1
H6699-04 צ֨וּרֹתָ֤י/ו tsurotayv HNcfpc/Sp3ms forms-its his shaped-forms 1
H6699-05 צורת/י tsvrty HNcfpc/Sp1cs forms-my my forms 1
H6699-02 צוּרָת֛/וֹ tsurato HNcfsc/Sp3ms form-its his fashioned form 1
H6699-03 צֽוּרֹתָ֡/ו tsurotav HNcfpc/Sp3ms forms-its his fashioned forms 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H6699-01 Ezekiel 43:11 צוּרַ֣ת tsurat HNcfsc form-of form-of
H6699-03 Ezekiel 43:11 צֽוּרֹתָ֡/ו tsurotav HNcfpc/Sp3ms forms-its his fashioned forms
H6699-05 Ezekiel 43:11 צורת/י tsvrty HNcfpc/Sp1cs forms-my my forms
H6699-04 Ezekiel 43:11 צ֨וּרֹתָ֤י/ו tsurotayv HNcfpc/Sp3ms forms-its his shaped-forms
H6699-02 Ezekiel 43:11 צוּרָת֛/וֹ tsurato HNcfsc/Sp3ms form-its his fashioned form
← H6698 Hebrew Lexicon H6700 →