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אֲשֻׁר

𐤀𐤔𐤓

Ashur

H839 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

(1) A type of tree associated with strong, flexible wood, most likely the cedar or a similar conifer; (2) In some contexts, refers to the people or territory of Ashur (Assyria), or an individual associated with Ashur.

Semantic Range

a noble/straight coniferous tree (possibly cedar, cypress, or box), timber or wood for construction (notably shipbuilding, luxury furniture); in some cases, a person or inhabitant of Ashur (Assyria)

Root / Etymology

The noun אֲשֻׁר derives from the root אָשַׁר (אשר), meaning 'to go straight, proceed, advance,' potentially reflecting the upright or straight-growing quality of the tree. The precise connection between the root and the tree designation is uncertain. The term also shows homonymy or overlap with the proper noun Ashur (אַשּׁוּר), referring to the ancient territory and people of Assyria, though in the specific form אֲשֻׁר the meaning is primarily botanical.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In most biblical contexts, אֲשֻׁר is best understood as referring to a type of coniferous tree, frequently linked with the cedar due to similar descriptions of height, straightness, and quality of wood. Some passages, notably in Ezekiel (e.g., Ezekiel 27:6; 31:3), use אֲשֻׁר in lists of luxurious or valuable timbers, suggesting its significance in ancient carpentry and shipbuilding. The precise species is debated: while 'cedar' is common in translation, others propose boxwood, fir, or cypress. English Bibles often use 'box tree' or 'cedar' for אֲשֻׁר, but this may not capture the exact botanical referent. Depending on the context, the word can also denote inhabitants of Ashur or their descendants, but such occurrences are distinct from the botanical sense and are sometimes the result of text variants or confusion with Ashur (Assyria).

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

contracted for תְּאַשּׁוּר; the cedar tree or some other light elastic wood; Ashurite.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

אשר (ʾ-š-r) — to go straight, advance, prosper

Root אשר to go straight, advance, prosper
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H7789 שׁוּר Ashshur
H804 אַשּׁוּר Ashshur
H833 אָשַׁר Declare fortunate!
H834 אֲשֶׁר that-which
H835 אֶשֶׁר his happinesses

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H839-01 אֲשֻׁרִ֔ים ashurim HNp Ashurites straight conifers Ashur 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H839-01 Ezekiel 27:6 אֲשֻׁרִ֔ים ashurim HNp Ashurites straight conifers Ashur
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