נֵר (ner)
ner
lamp
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 42 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word ner refers to a lamp, specifically the oil-burning vessels used for light in the ancient Near East. Occurring forty-two times in the Bible, it appears frequently in Exodus and Proverbs, grounding its meaning in both practical daily life and spiritual metaphor. These lamps were typically simple clay or metal containers holding olive oil, with a wick protruding from the top to draw fuel upward through capillary action.
Its usage ranges from the literal description of the lampstands in the Tabernacle to poetic imagery in wisdom literature. In Proverbs, the ner often symbolizes divine guidance or moral clarity, suggesting that righteous living provides light for one’s path. The text does not distinguish between different types of lamps; any vessel providing illumination falls under this term.
The enduring image of the lamp reflects a culture dependent on controlled fire for safety and visibility during long nights. Translators consistently render it as "lamp," preserving the concrete reality of ancient lighting while allowing readers to grasp its symbolic weight regarding truth, presence, and guidance in Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
A lamp in the ancient world was more than a tool for seeing; it was a promise that darkness would not have the final word. When Scripture speaks of a lamp, it often points to God’s faithful presence guiding us through uncertain times. Just as oil feeds the wick to keep the flame alive, our trust in God sustains us when the path ahead is unclear.
This image appears in many places, from the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle to the poetic words of David. It reminds us that we do not walk in total darkness. The light provided by God’s Word offers clarity and direction, helping us navigate daily choices with confidence. We can rest in the knowledge that His guidance is steady and reliable.
Even when circumstances seem dim, this promise holds true: God lights our way. You are invited to reflect on how His truth has illuminated your own journey. May you find peace in knowing that His presence goes before you, offering hope and strength for every step.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 42 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lamps/ its9×
- a lamp8×
- the/ lamps7×
- [the] lamp of5×
- and/ lamps/ its3×
- lamp/ his2×
- and/ the/ lamps2×
- and/ lamps/ their2×
- and/ [the] lamp of2×
- [is] a lamp2×
- with <the>/ lamps1×
- lamp/ her1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נֵ֖ר3×
- נֵרֹתֶ֖י/הָ2×
- נֵרֹתֶ֑י/הָ2×
- נֵר\־2×
- נֵ֣רֹתֶ֔י/הָ2×
- נֵ֣ר2×
- נִ֛יר2×
- הַ/נֵּרֹ֖ת2×
- נֵרֹתֶֽי/הָ\׃1×
- נֵרֹתֶ֙י/הָ֙1×
- נֵרֹתֶ֗י/הָ1×
- נֵרֹ֛ת1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 22:29
For you are my lamp, Yahweh. Yahweh will light up my darkness.
David uses this word to describe God as the source of light who dispels his personal darkness.
-
I Kings 11:36
I will give one tribe to his son, that David my servant may have a lamp always before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen for myself to put my name there.
The lamp symbolizes God’s enduring covenant promise to maintain David’s lineage in Jerusalem.
-
Exodus 27:20
“You shall command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually.
This verse establishes the requirement for a continuous flame, representing God’s unchanging presence in the sanctuary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the word ner mean in the Bible?
How is ner used as a metaphor?
Where does ner appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (42 verses across 15 books)
Exodus 9 verses
You shall make its lamps seven, and they shall light its lamps to give light to the space in front of it.
Exodus 27:20“You shall command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp…
Exodus 30:7Aaron shall burn incense of sweet spices on it every morning. When he tends the lamps, he shall burn it.
Exodus 30:8When Aaron lights the lamps at evening, he shall burn it, a perpetual incense before Yahweh throughout your generations.
Exodus 35:14the lamp stand also for the light, with its vessels, its lamps, and the oil for the light;
Exodus 37:23He made its seven lamps, and its snuffers, and its snuff dishes, of pure gold.
Exodus 39:37the pure lamp stand, its lamps, even the lamps to be set in order, all its vessels, the oil for the light,
Exodus 40:4You shall bring in the table, and set in order the things that are on it. You shall bring in the lamp stand, and light…
Exodus 40:25He lit the lamps before Yahweh, as Yahweh commanded Moses.