עָר (ar)
ar
Ar
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun ‘Ar refers to a specific city in Moab, situated just south of the Arnon River. With only six occurrences in the Hebrew Bible, it appears prominently in lists of territorial boundaries and royal domains, particularly in Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Isaiah.
Lexical sources identify this location as perhaps the capital of Moab. Its placement near the Arnon serves as a key geographical marker, distinguishing Moabite territory from the lands held by Israel and Ammon. The name itself simply means "city," anchoring its identity in its function as a central urban center rather than a abstract concept.
Translators consistently render this word as "Ar" to preserve its status as a unique place name. It stands as a concrete reminder of the ancient political landscape, where cities like Ar defined the limits of power and influence in the region during the biblical narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Ar appears in Scripture as a specific city in Moab, marking a boundary between nations. Its name means 'city,' highlighting its role as a central place of human life and governance. In Numbers and Deuteronomy, it serves as a geographical marker for the land given to Lot's descendants, reminding us that God directs the movements of peoples and defines borders with purpose.
Isaiah uses Ar to illustrate the suddenness of judgment. The prophet describes how this fortified city is laid waste in a single night, showing that human power is fragile before God’s sovereignty. This historical detail invites reflection on the temporary nature of earthly strength and the certainty of divine justice.
For your faith, these references ground us in the reality that God oversees history. Whether marking boundaries or bringing down proud cities, His word remains true. We can trust in His guidance through changing times, knowing He holds the future in His hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ar5×
- in/ Ar1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עָֽר\׃1×
- עָ֤ר1×
- עָ֣ר1×
- עָ֖ר1×
- עָ֑ר1×
- בְּ/עָ֑ר1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 15:1
The burden of Moab. For in a night, Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to nothing. For in a night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to nothing.
This verse uses Ar to demonstrate the sudden and complete destruction of Moab's capital, emphasizing God's power over national pride.
-
Numbers 21:28
for a fire has gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon. It has devoured Ar of Moab, The lords of the high places of the Arnon.
Here, Ar is depicted as a target of divine judgment through Sihon’s fire, showing its vulnerability despite its status as a key city.
-
Deuteronomy 2:9
Yahweh said to me, “Don’t bother Moab, neither contend with them in battle; for I will not give you any of his land for a possession, because I have given Ar to the children of Lot for a possession.”
God explicitly commands Israel not to fight Moab because He has already given Ar to Lot's descendants, highlighting His sovereign allocation of land.