אֻשַּׁרְנָא (ush.shar.na)
ush.shar.na
wall
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun ushsharna refers to a wall, though its precise etymology remains uncertain. It appears as a cognate of the Hebrew shur, serving as the standard term for structural barriers in the Book of Ezra. In this context, it describes the physical fortifications or building materials involved in the restoration projects under Persian rule.
Lexical sources note that the word can also extend to mean panelling, beams, or general structure, reflecting its use in architectural descriptions rather than just defensive walls. Its limited occurrence in Scripture—appearing only twice—highlights its specific role in documenting the construction details of the temple and city works during the post-exilic period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ushsharna appears only twice in Scripture, both within the Book of Ezra. It is an Aramaic term for a wall, specifically referring to the structural barriers being rebuilt during the post-exilic period. In these verses, Persian officials question the Jewish leaders about their authority to finish this wall. The term highlights the physical reality of the restoration project, showing that faith was expressed through tangible labor and community effort.
For your life today, this word reminds us that spiritual rebuilding often involves concrete actions. Just as the walls of Jerusalem required stone and mortar, our personal growth and church communities require steady, visible work. God honors the practical steps we take to restore what has been broken, whether in our relationships or our local gatherings.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ structure/ the2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אֻשַּׁרְנָ֥/א2×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 5:3
At the same time Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, came to them, with Shetharbozenai and their companions, and asked them, “Who gave you a decree to build this house and to finish this wall?”
This verse shows the word used by officials to question the legitimacy of the ongoing construction project.
-
Ezra 5:9
Then we asked those elders, and said to them thus, “Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?”
Here the term reinforces the specific focus on completing the physical barrier as a matter of legal and political concern.