תְּשׁוּרָה
𐤕𐤔𐤅𐤓𐤄
tᵉshûwrâh
H8670 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A gift, offering, or present given as an expression of respect, allegiance, or goodwill, often in the context of diplomatic, social, or ritual relationships. The term can denote both material tokens presented to a person of higher status and gifts offered during meetings or to mark occasions.
Semantic Range
gift; present; diplomatic offering; token of esteem or allegiance; gift to a leader or dignitary
Root / Etymology
Derived from the Hebrew root שׁוּר (שור), primarily meaning 'to behold, look at, observe,' though the connection to the meaning of 'gift' is debated and may indicate a semantic shift from 'looking toward, regarding' to 'bringing or presenting something.' Alternative etymological explanations exist, but the precise development is uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
תְּשׁוּרָה occurs a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, frequently in contexts involving the presentation of gifts to leaders or dignitaries (e.g., Genesis 43:11, Judges 3:15). It is generally synonymous in function with מִנְחָה (minḥâ, 'offering, tribute') but less common and without the specifically cultic associations. The term’s fundamental sense is non-cultic and non-sacrificial, emphasizing diplomatic or social exchange. In monarchic and pre-monarchic periods, such presentations were central to establishing or maintaining relationships and could serve political or economic purposes. English translations often render תְּשׁוּרָה simply as 'present' or 'gift,' which conveys the general idea but may not capture the formal and relational connotations present in ancient contexts. Later biblical usage maintains the sociopolitical character, and there is no clear shift toward ritual or liturgical meaning during the exilic or post-exilic periods.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from שׁוּר in the sense of arrival; a gift; present.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שור (š-w-r) — to look at, observe, regard
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4884 | מְשׂוּרָה | in a measured vessel |
| H7788 | שׁוּר | your wandering women |
| H7789 | שׁוּר | I attentively observe him |
| H7790 | שׁוּר | in my ambushing foes |
| H7791 | שׁוּר | Encircling Wall |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8670-01 |
וּ/תְשׁוּרָ֥ה | uteshurah | HC/Ncfsa |
and present | esteem-gift | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8670-01 |
1 Samuel 9:7 | וּ/תְשׁוּרָ֥ה | uteshurah | HC/Ncfsa |
and present | esteem-gift |