סוּר (sur)
sur
to turn aside: remove
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 257 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sur describes the act of turning aside or departing from a path, whether that movement is physical or moral. In its most common usage, it signifies leaving a way behind to avoid danger or sin. For instance, when Moses encounters the burning bush, he turns aside to see the spectacle (Exodus 3:3), illustrating a literal shift in direction. However, the word carries heavier weight when applied to spiritual fidelity, as seen when King Hezekiah is praised for not turning away from following God (2 Kings 18:6).
Its range extends beyond simple movement to include removal or cessation. The sources note its use for things coming to an end, such as the plague of flies departing from Egypt (Exodus 8:29). In a figurative sense, it can mean to reject or abolish something entirely. This versatility allows translators to render it variously as "depart," "remove," or "turn aside" depending on whether the context involves a person changing course or an object being taken away.
A key feature of sur is its frequent pairing with prepositions that define what is being left behind. The phrase "turning aside from after" God appears in historical books to describe idolatry and rebellion. This construction highlights that the action is not neutral; it is a deliberate departure from an established relationship or command. The word thus captures the moment of divergence, marking the point where one leaves the straight path for another direction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sur speaks to the simple yet profound act of turning aside. It can describe a physical shift, like Moses leaning in to see the burning bush, or a moral choice, such as refusing to turn away from God’s commands. This verb reminds us that faith is not just about standing still; it involves active decisions to move toward what is right and away from what leads us astray.
When we encounter sur in Scripture, we see it used for both removing obstacles and departing from sin. It highlights the importance of direction in our spiritual lives. Whether it is the removal of a plague or the rejection of idolatry, this word underscores that our paths matter. We are invited to examine where we are turning and why, seeking alignment with God’s will.
Ultimately, sur calls us to intentional living. It encourages us to leave behind what hinders our relationship with God and to stay close to His presence. This awareness helps us navigate life’s challenges with clarity and purpose, trusting that every turn toward God brings peace and guidance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 257 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he turned aside19×
- remove11×
- and/ he removed11×
- depart9×
- they turned aside8×
- to/ turn aside7×
- they were removed6×
- it will depart6×
- he will remove/ it6×
- and/ I will remove6×
- to turn aside5×
- he will remove5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סָ֗ר6×
- ס֣וּר6×
- סָ֥ר5×
- סָ֖ר5×
- יְסִירֶֽ/נָּה\׃5×
- וְ/סָ֥ר5×
- סָ֣רוּ4×
- סָ֣ר4×
- סָ֖רוּ4×
- סָ֑רוּ4×
- ס֣וּרוּ4×
- יָס֥וּר4×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 3:3
Moses said, “I will go now, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.”
This verse shows the literal meaning of turning aside to observe something new, illustrating how curiosity can lead to divine encounter.
-
Exodus 32:8
They have turned away quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molded calf, and have worshiped it, and have sacrificed to it, and said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt.’”
Here sur describes a serious spiritual departure, highlighting the danger of abandoning God’s direct commands for idolatry.
-
Genesis 35:2
Then Jacob said to his household, and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments.
Jacob uses this word to command the removal of foreign gods, showing its application in purifying one’s household and faith.
-
Exodus 10:17
Now therefore please forgive my sin again, and pray to Yahweh your God, that he may also take away from me this death.”
Pharaoh asks for the plague to be taken away, demonstrating the word’s use for the cessation or removal of a negative condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does sur mean in the Bible?
How is sur different from other words for turning?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (257 verses across 29 books)
Genesis 11 verses
In the six hundred first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from the earth.…
Genesis 19:2and he said, “See now, my lords, please come into your servant’s house, stay all night, wash your feet, and you can…
Genesis 19:3He urged them greatly, and they came in with him, and entered into his house. He made them a feast, and baked…
Genesis 30:32I will pass through all your flock today, removing from there every speckled and spotted one, and every black one among…
Genesis 30:35That day, he removed the male goats that were streaked and spotted, and all the female goats that were speckled and…
Genesis 35:2Then Jacob said to his household, and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify…
Genesis 38:14She took off the garments of her widowhood, and covered herself with her veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in the gate…
Genesis 38:19She arose, and went away, and put off her veil from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood.
Genesis 41:42Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in robes of fine linen,…
Genesis 48:17When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him. He held up his father’s…
Genesis 49:10The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs.…