קוּר (qur)
qur
to dig; to cool; to destroy
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb qur carries two distinct meanings that appear in different grammatical forms. In its basic Qal stem, it means to dig or bore, specifically referring to the labor of digging wells for water. This usage highlights the physical effort required to access life-giving resources in arid landscapes, a theme found in narratives such as those involving Isaac’s servants in Genesis 26.
A second meaning, derived from a root associated with coldness (qarar), appears in the Hiphil stem to mean making or keeping something cool. This sense is rare and abstract, contrasting sharply with the physical action of digging. The word also appears in the Piel stem in Isaiah 22:5, where it describes the act of tearing down or destroying walls, likely linking the idea of breaking apart stone to the construction imagery of digging.
These varied uses show how Hebrew verbs can branch into related but distinct concepts. The connection between digging and destruction may lie in the shared image of working with earth—either creating a hole for water or breaking it down for ruin. This lexical range reminds readers that ancient languages often pack multiple layers of meaning into single roots, requiring careful attention to context for accurate understanding.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about digging wells in Scripture, we see more than just manual labor. It represents the persistent search for life-giving truth in dry places. Just as Isaac’s servants dug again after others filled their holes, we are called to keep seeking God’s presence even when it feels difficult or repetitive.
Yet the word also carries a warning. In Isaiah, digging is linked to destruction and arrogance. Sennacherib boasts of digging up waters to dry up Egypt, showing how power can turn into pride. The same action that brings life can become an instrument of ruin if driven by self-exaltation rather than dependence on God.
This duality invites us to examine our own hearts. Are we digging for water to sustain others, or are we trying to control the sources of life? True spiritual depth comes not from dominating our circumstances, but from humbly accessing the living water that only God provides.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- I have dug2×
- it has kept cool1×
- as/ keeps cool1×
- and/ it will destroy1×
- a breaking down of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קַ֖רְתִּי1×
- קַ֔רְתִּי1×
- מְקַרְקַ֥ר1×
- כְּ/הָקִ֥יר1×
- וְ/קַרְקַ֖ר1×
- הֵקֵ֣רָה1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 19:24
I have dug and drunk strange waters, and I will dry up all the rivers of Egypt with the sole of my feet.”
This verse highlights the danger of using spiritual authority as a tool for pride and domination rather than service.
-
Isaiah 22:5
For it is a day of confusion, and of treading down, and of perplexity from the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, in the valley of vision, a breaking down of the walls, and a crying to the mountains.”
Here the word shifts from creation to destruction, showing how human effort can tear down what God has built when it opposes divine will.
-
Jeremiah 6:7
As a well produces its waters, so she produces her wickedness. Violence and destruction is heard in her. Sickness and wounds are continually before me.
The metaphor of a well producing wickedness warns that even our deepest inner resources can become sources of harm if not purified by God.