פְּעוֹר (pe.or)

pe.or

Peor

H6465 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 4 verses

N:N--L

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 4 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N--L

Word Overview

The name Peor refers to a specific mountain peak in Moab, part of the Abarim range situated near Pisgah. Its etymology links it to the Hebrew root for "cleft" or "split," describing the physical geography of the location rather than conveying an abstract theological concept.

In Scripture, this place appears in only four verses, primarily within Numbers and Joshua. It serves as a geographical marker in the narrative of Israel’s journey, specifically associated with the events involving Balak and Balaam, where the Moabite king sought to curse the people from this vantage point (Numbers 23:14, 28). The text identifies it simply as a mountain belonging to Moab.

While some older lexical notes suggest a possible connection to local deities due to its prominence, the biblical text itself treats Peor strictly as a topographical feature. It marks the boundary and observation point during the confrontation between Israel and Moab, without elaborating on any religious structures or worship practices located there.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Peor appears in Scripture as a specific mountain peak in Moab, part of the Abarim range near Pisgah. Its etymology links it to the Hebrew root for "cleft" or "split," describing the physical geography of the location rather than conveying an abstract theological concept. In Numbers, this place serves as a geographical marker during Israel’s journey, specifically associated with Balak and Balaam.

The text identifies Peor simply as a mountain belonging to Moab. It marks the boundary and observation point during the confrontation between Israel and Moab, without elaborating on any religious structures or worship practices located there. This focus on place over abstract idolatry highlights how physical locations can become sites of spiritual testing.

Understanding Peor helps us see that faithfulness often requires vigilance in specific moments and places. The narrative reminds readers that external pressures and deceptive counsel can lead people away from trust in God. By remembering these historical boundaries, believers are encouraged to remain grounded in their own spiritual commitments amidst surrounding influences.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Peor4×
<the>/ Peor1×

Forms in the text

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

פְּע֑וֹר2×
פְּעֽוֹר\׃1×
פְּע֔וֹר1×
הַ/פְּע֔וֹר1×

Key Verses

Numbers 23:28
Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, that looks down on the desert.

This verse establishes Peor as the physical vantage point from which Balak sought to have Balaam curse Israel, highlighting its role as a strategic observation site.
Numbers 25:18
for they harassed you with their wiles, wherein they have deceived you in the matter of Peor, and in the incident regarding Cozbi, the daughter of the prince of Midian, their sister, who was slain on the day of the plague in the matter of Peor.”

Here Peor is linked to the incident of Cozbi, showing how the location became synonymous with the deception and moral failure that brought a plague upon the congregation.
Joshua 22:17
Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we have not cleansed ourselves to this day, although there came a plague on the congregation of Yahweh,

The tribe of Reuben uses Peor as a historical warning example, reminding their brothers that ignoring such iniquity led to severe consequences for the entire community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Peor mean?

The name Peor comes from a Hebrew root meaning "cleft" or "split," which describes the physical geography of the mountain peak. It is not an abstract theological term but a specific topographical feature in Moab.

Why is Peor mentioned in Joshua?

In Joshua 22:17, the tribes east of the Jordan cite Peor as a past example of disobedience. They warn that failing to address sin can bring plague upon the whole congregation, using it as a cautionary tale for unity.

Is Peor a god or a place?

Peor is primarily a place, specifically a mountain in Moab. While the deity Baal-peor was worshipped there, the biblical text treats Peor itself as a geographical marker and site of historical events involving Balaam and Israel.

Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)

Numbers 3 verses

Numbers 23:28

Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, that looks down on the desert.

Numbers 25:18

for they harassed you with their wiles, wherein they have deceived you in the matter of Peor, and in the incident…

Numbers 31:16

Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against Yahweh in the…

Joshua 1 verse