גּוֹר (gor)
gor
whelp
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun gor refers to a young animal, specifically a whelp or cub. In the Bible, it appears only once, in Jeremiah 51:30, where it describes the cubs of lions. This single occurrence places the word in a context of fierce imagery, contrasting the natural power of wild beasts with the coming judgment on Babylon.
Lexical sources suggest the term might be onomatopoeic, imitating the sounds of young animals, or perhaps linked to a root meaning "to quarrel," highlighting their restless energy. By using gor instead of a generic word for child, Jeremiah emphasizes the raw, untamed nature of the enemy forces, now rendered powerless and hiding in their dens.
Though rare, this word adds texture to prophetic poetry. It reminds readers that even the most terrifying symbols of strength are subject to God’s decree. The image of lion cubs shrinking away underscores the completeness of the divine victory described in the passage.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gor appears only once in Scripture, nestled within a vivid prophecy against Babylon in Jeremiah 51:30. It describes the cubs of lions, capturing their raw, untamed energy. This rare term reminds us that even the fiercest symbols of earthly power are subject to God’s sovereign will.
When we face overwhelming challenges or feel threatened by forces beyond our control, this passage offers comfort. The image of mighty beasts shrinking away underscores the completeness of divine victory. It invites us to trust in a God who holds all strength in His hands, bringing peace where there seems to be none.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- like/ cubs of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְּ/גוֹרֵ֥י1×