טוּר (tur)

tur

row

H2905 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 19 verses

H:N-M

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 19 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun tur refers to a row or a specific course of items arranged in order. It appears nineteen times in the Old Testament, primarily within historical and priestly texts such as Exodus, Kings, and Chronicles. The word describes physical arrangements where individual elements are aligned systematically, whether they are stones forming a wall or precious gems set into metal.

Its most prominent usage occurs in Exodus 28:17, where it details the four rows of jewels on the high priest’s breastpiece. Here, tur distinguishes the organized layout of the stones from the random scattering of materials. The same term is applied to courses of building stones in Solomon’s temple and other structures, emphasizing precision and architectural order.

This word highlights the value placed on structured beauty and deliberate arrangement in biblical descriptions of sacred spaces and garments. By using tur for both construction and jewelry, the text connects the stability of masonry with the intricate design of royal vestments, showing that order was a key feature of Israel’s worship environment.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word tur describes a deliberate arrangement, where items are placed in a specific order rather than left to chance. In the Old Testament, this term appears when describing the high priest’s breastplate and the construction of Solomon’s temple. It reminds us that God values structure and intentionality in how sacred things are organized.

For your daily life, this concept offers comfort. Just as the stones on the priest’s garment were carefully set in rows to represent the tribes of Israel, your own steps can be ordered by divine purpose. You do not need to fear chaos or random events. The same God who arranged precious gems with precision is attentive to the details of your journey.

This word connects the beauty of worship with the stability of building. It suggests that order is not rigid or cold, but a way to honor what is valuable. When you seek to bring peace into your home or community, remember that small, intentional acts of alignment can create a lasting foundation for faith and trust.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 19 verses where it appears, by frequency.

rows9×
and/ the/ row6×
the/ row3×
rows of3×
and/ a row of2×
[will be] a row of1×
[was] a row of1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

וְ/הַ/טּ֖וּר4×
טוּרִים֙2×
טוּרִ֤ים2×
טוּרִ֣ים2×
ט֗וּר2×
וְ/ט֖וּר2×
וְ/הַ/טּוּר֙2×
הַ/טּ֖וּר2×
טוּרֵי֙1×
טוּרֵ֣י1×
טוּרִ֨ים1×
טוּרִ֑ים1×

Key Verses

Exodus 28:17
You shall set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of ruby, topaz, and beryl shall be the first row;

This verse establishes the primary use of the word by describing the four ordered rows of gems on the high priest's breastpiece, showing how structure conveys identity and honor.
I Kings 6:36
He built the inner court with three courses of cut stone and a course of cedar beams.

Here the term applies to cut stone courses in the temple’s inner court, linking the word to architectural stability and the holy space of worship.
I Kings 7:18
So he made the pillars; and there were two rows of pomegranates around the one network, to cover the capitals that were on the top of the pillars; and he did so for the other capital.

The word describes rows of pomegranates on the temple pillars, illustrating how decorative order enhances the beauty of sacred objects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word tur mean?

Tur refers to a row, course, or line of items arranged in a specific order. It is used primarily in the Old Testament to describe physical arrangements, such as the rows of gems on the high priest’s breastplate or the courses of stone in temple construction.

Where does tur appear most frequently?

The word appears nineteen times in the Bible. Its most significant occurrences are in Exodus 28 and 39, where it details the layout of the priestly garments, and in 1 Kings 6-7, where it describes the architectural features of Solomon’s temple.

How is tur different from other words for 'line'?

While other Hebrew words might mean a simple line or path, tur specifically implies a structured course or row of distinct items. It emphasizes the deliberate placement of elements, such as stones or gems, rather than just their position in space.

Every Occurrence (19 verses across 3 books)

Exodus 8 verses

Exodus 28:17

You shall set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of ruby, topaz, and beryl shall be the first row;

Exodus 28:18

and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;

Exodus 28:19

and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;

Exodus 28:20

and the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be enclosed in gold in their settings.

Exodus 39:10

They set in it four rows of stones. A row of ruby, topaz, and beryl was the first row;

Exodus 39:11

and the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;

Exodus 39:12

and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;

Exodus 39:13

and the fourth row, a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in gold settings.

I Kings 9 verses

II Chronicles 2 verses