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תּוֹר

𐤕𐤅𐤓

tôwr

H8449 noun

SILEX Entry

Root תור to seek, search, explore (root level); turtledove (lexicalized noun)

Definition

A species of dove, specifically the turtledove (Streptopelia turtur), often referenced in the Hebrew Bible as a migratory, gentle bird known for its soft cooing. The term also carries figurative meaning as a symbol of tender affection, innocence, vulnerability, or longing, especially in poetic and liturgical contexts.

Semantic Range

turtledove (Streptopelia turtur), migratory dove, bird used in sacrifices, symbol of affection or innocence, term of endearment

Root / Etymology

Root: תור, likely derived from a root meaning 'to seek out, explore, search.' The noun תּוֹר (tôwr) in this lexeme refers to a specific bird, distinct from the root's basic sense of seeking. The semantic development from the root to the bird name is uncertain, though it may relate to the bird's migratory or seeking behavior. Cognate terms appear in other Semitic languages denoting a type of dove.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, תּוֹר most commonly designates the turtledove, especially in sacrificial lists (e.g., Leviticus 1:14, 5:7, 12:6, etc.), where it is paired with the pigeon (יוֹנָה, yonah) as an acceptable offering, particularly for those unable to afford more costly animals. Unlike יוֹנָה, which can denote a broader category of pigeons and doves, תּוֹר refers specifically to the migratory turtledove, known for its gentle nature and distinctive song. In Song of Songs and Psalms, the תּוֹר becomes a poetic emblem of love, mourning, or longing, associated with affection or beauty. Later traditions and translations sometimes conflate תּוֹר with the more generic 'dove,' but the original reference is zoologically specific. English versions often use 'turtle-dove' or simply 'dove,' but may miss the species distinction. The word is not connected to later English use of 'turtle' for the shelled reptile; the similarity is coincidental.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

or תֹּר; probably the same as תּוֹר; a ring-dove, often (figuratively) as a term of endearment; (turtle) dove.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

תור (t-w-r) — to seek, search, explore; turtledove (lexicalized noun)

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H8446 תּוּר the exploring ones
H8447 תּוֹר arranged rows
H8448 תּוֹר as a turn of
H8450 תּוֹר like bulls

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H8449-05 תֹרִ֛ים torim HNcbpa turtledoves turtledoves 7
H8449-06 וְ/תֹ֖ר vetor HC/Ncbsa and a turtledove turtledove 2
H8449-02 הַ/תֹּרִ֗ים hatorim HTd/Ncbpa the turtledoves the turtledoves 2
H8449-03 תֹ֖ר tor HNcbsa a-turtledove turtledove 1
H8449-01 הַ/תּ֖וֹר hator HTd/Ncbsa of the turtledove the turtledove 1
H8449-04 תּוֹרֶ֑/ךָ torekha HNcbsc/Sp2ms your turtledove your turtledove 1

Occurrences in Scripture

14 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H8449-06 Genesis 15:9 וְ/תֹ֖ר vetor HC/Ncbsa and a turtledove turtledove
H8449-02 Leviticus 1:14 הַ/תֹּרִ֗ים hatorim HTd/Ncbpa turtledoves the turtledoves
H8449-05 Leviticus 5:7 תֹרִ֛ים torim HNcbpa turtledoves turtledoves
H8449-05 Leviticus 5:11 תֹרִ֗ים torim HNcbpa turtledoves turtledoves
H8449-03 Leviticus 12:6 תֹ֖ר tor HNcbsa a-turtledove turtledove
H8449-05 Leviticus 12:8 תֹרִ֗ים torim HNcbpa turtledoves turtledoves
H8449-05 Leviticus 14:22 תֹרִ֗ים torim HNcbpa turtledoves turtledoves
H8449-02 Leviticus 14:30 הַ/תֹּרִ֔ים hatorim HTd/Ncbpa the turtledoves the turtledoves
H8449-05 Leviticus 15:14 תֹרִ֔ים torim HNcbpa turtledoves turtledoves
H8449-05 Leviticus 15:29 תֹרִ֔ים torim HNcbpa turtledoves turtledoves
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