אוּר (ur)
ur
flame
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ur refers to a flame or the bright light of fire. It appears only five times in the Old Testament, with the majority of occurrences found in the book of Isaiah. In these contexts, the word evokes the intense, visible glow of burning material, serving as a concrete image for divine presence or judgment.
Beyond its literal sense of firelight, the plural form urim carries a distinct geographical nuance. In Isaiah 24:15, it is translated as "the region of light" or specifically "the East." This usage highlights how ancient Hebrew poetry could shift from describing physical phenomena to pointing toward specific directions associated with dawn and illumination.
Translators typically render ur as "flame" when referring to fire itself, but switch to directional terms like "East" when the plural form appears in Isaiah. This distinction shows how the same root can describe both a tangible element of nature and a symbolic location tied to light and hope.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ur paints a vivid picture of fire’s dual nature in Scripture. In Isaiah 47:14, it describes a flame that cannot save those who rely on their own efforts. It is a stark reminder that human ingenuity often burns out when faced with true trials. We are invited to look beyond our temporary lights to find lasting security.
Yet this same imagery shifts in Isaiah 31:9, where fire represents God’s presence in Zion. Here, the flame is not destructive but protective, a sign of divine authority and care. This contrast helps us understand that while we may kindle our own torches, only God’s fire offers true warmth and safety.
When life feels dark or uncertain, this word encourages us to trust in the One who holds the ultimate light. We do not need to fear the flames of judgment because they are reserved for those who reject Him. For believers, the focus remains on His steadfast love and the hope found in His presence alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a fire2×
- in the/ east1×
- fire1×
- by/ [the] light of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בָּ/אֻרִ֖ים1×
- בְּ/א֣וּר1×
- אֽוּר\׃1×
- א֥וּר1×
- א֖וּר1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 47:14
Behold, they are like stubble. The fire will burn them. They won’t deliver themselves from the power of the flame. It won’t be a coal to warm at or a fire to sit by.
This verse uses the word to show that self-made solutions are as fleeting as a flame that cannot warm or save its owner.
-
Isaiah 31:9
His rock will pass away by reason of terror, and his princes will be afraid of the banner,” says Yahweh, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.
Here the term connects fire to Yahweh’s presence in Zion, shifting the image from destruction to divine protection and authority.
-
Isaiah 50:11
Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who adorn yourselves with torches around yourselves, walk in the flame of your fire, and among the torches that you have kindled. You will have this from my hand: you will lie down in sorrow.
The word describes the consequence for those who walk by their own torches, highlighting the sorrow that follows reliance on human wisdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word ur mean?
How is ur different from other words for fire?
Why does Isaiah 24:15 mention 'the east'?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)
Isaiah 5 verses
Therefore glorify Yahweh in the east, even the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea!
Isaiah 31:9His rock will pass away by reason of terror, and his princes will be afraid of the banner,” says Yahweh, whose fire is…
Isaiah 44:16He burns part of it in the fire. With part of it, he eats meat. He roasts a roast and is satisfied. Yes, he warms…
Isaiah 47:14Behold, they are like stubble. The fire will burn them. They won’t deliver themselves from the power of the flame. It…
Isaiah 50:11Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who adorn yourselves with torches around yourselves, walk in the flame of your fire,…