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אָשֻׁר

𐤀𐤔𐤓

ʼâshur

H838 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A step or stride; a pace or footstep made in walking, denoting the physical movement of taking a step. By extension, it can indicate any singular act or movement in a series of actions, though its literal meaning remains predominant. In poetic usage, may convey a progression or advance.

Semantic Range

step, footstep, pace, stride; metaphorically, phase or act within one's course of action or conduct

Root / Etymology

From the root אָשַׁר (א-ש-ר), which at the root level means 'to go straight, advance, proceed.' אָשֻׁר is a nominal form derived from the root, designating a single act of going or a step (i.e., each distinct movement of the foot in walking). The root meaning 'to go straight/forth' results in the nominal sense of 'a step.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

אָשֻׁר appears primarily in poetic or elevated language, especially in wisdom literature (e.g., Psalms, Proverbs), often describing an individual's walk or course of action. In these literary contexts, 'step' may metaphorically denote a phase or point within one's life, actions, or moral progress, reflecting the broader ancient Semitic association between walking and conduct. The usage does not overlap with tribal or geographical meanings (unlike 'Ashur' [אַשּׁוּר] the Assyrian kingdom/person). English translations frequently render it as 'step,' which accurately conveys the physical sense but may not always capture metaphorical extensions. The term is distinct from מַעֲלֶה (ma‘aleh, 'ascent' or 'stair'), which denotes a going up, or צַעַד (tsa‘ad, 'stride,' often a larger movement or bearing). In post-biblical Hebrew, the word is uncommon.

Translation Consistency

primary "step" 9 occurrences

The primary literal meaning is a single footstep, pace, or stride; 'step' is the simple, natural English word that covers both singular and plural uses and extends easily to metaphorical senses (phase, act, advance). It matches the majority renderings ('steps') while keeping a consistent base form.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

or אַשֻּׁר; from אָשַׁר in the sense of going; a step; going, step.

Bantu Hebrew

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

Root Family

א-ש-ר (ʼâshur) — to go straight, to proceed, to advance

Root א-ש-ר to go straight, to proceed, to advance

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H838-01 אֲ֭שֻׁרַ/י ashuray HNcfpc/Sp1cs my steps my steps my steps 3
H838-03 אַ֭שֻּׁרֵי/נוּ ashureynu HNcfpc/Sp1cp our steps our steps our steps 2
H838-02 אֲשֻׁרָי/ו ashurayv HNcfpc/Sp3ms his steps his strides his steps 1
H838-04 אַשֻּׁרִ/י֮ ashuri HNcfsc/Sp1cs my step my step my step 1
H838-05 בַּ֭/אֲשֻׁר/וֹ baashuro HR/Ncfsc/Sp3ms his steps in his step in his step 1
H838-06 לַ/אֲשֻׁרֽ/וֹ laashuro HR/Ncfsc/Sp3ms his steps to his step his step 1

Occurrences in Scripture

9 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H838-01 Psalms 17:5 אֲ֭שֻׁרַ/י ashuray HNcfpc/Sp1cs my steps my steps my steps
H838-03 Psalms 17:11 אַ֭שֻּׁרֵי/נוּ ashureynu HNcfpc/Sp1cp our steps our steps our steps
H838-02 Psalms 37:31 אֲשֻׁרָי/ו ashurayv HNcfpc/Sp3ms his steps his strides his steps
H838-01 Psalms 40:3 אֲשֻׁרָֽ/י ashuray HNcfpc/Sp1cs my steps my steps my steps
H838-03 Psalms 44:19 אֲשֻׁרֵ֗י/נוּ ashureynu HNcfpc/Sp1cp our steps our steps our steps
H838-01 Psalms 73:2 אֲשֻׁרָֽ/י ashuray HNcfpc/Sp1cs my steps my steps my steps
H838-06 Proverbs 14:15 לַ/אֲשֻׁרֽ/וֹ laashuro HR/Ncfsc/Sp3ms his steps to his step his step
H838-05 Job 23:11 בַּ֭/אֲשֻׁר/וֹ baashuro HR/Ncfsc/Sp3ms his steps in his step in his step
H838-04 Job 31:7 אַשֻּׁרִ/י֮ ashuri HNcfsc/Sp1cs my step my step my step
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