קִיר (qir)
qir
wall
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 41 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun qir refers to a wall, specifically one constructed in a trench or built up from the ground. It appears forty-one times in the Old Testament, describing the defensive walls of cities like Jerusalem, the interior partitions of Solomon’s temple, and even the sides of the altar used for sacrifices.
Its usage often highlights vulnerability or protection. In Numbers 22:26, Balaam’s donkey presses against a wall to avoid an angel, illustrating how these barriers define narrow spaces. Conversely, Jeremiah 4:19 uses the image of a wall to describe the heart, suggesting that internal boundaries can be as rigid and significant as external fortifications.
While its etymology remains uncertain, the word emphasizes physical structure rather than abstract strength. Translators consistently render it as "wall," capturing its role as a tangible divider between safety and exposure in ancient Near Eastern life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word qir describes a physical wall, often one built into a trench or raised from the ground. In ancient life, these structures defined where safety ended and exposure began. They marked the boundary between the protected community and the open world outside.
Scripture uses this image in many ways. Sometimes it shows protection, like the walls of Jerusalem that sheltered God’s people. Other times it highlights vulnerability, as when Balaam’s donkey pressed against a wall to avoid an angel (Numbers 22:25). The word reminds us that boundaries are real, but they are not absolute. God can move through any barrier.
For your faith, this word invites trust in God’s protection while acknowledging our need for community. We are not meant to stand alone behind high walls. Instead, we find safety in the presence of God and in the fellowship of believers who share our hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 41 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ wall9×
- on/ a wall6×
- a wall6×
- [the] walls of6×
- the/ walls2×
- sides/ its2×
- in/ [the] walls of2×
- and/ <on> the/ wall2×
- [the] side of2×
- <to>/ [the] wall of2×
- <in> the/ wall2×
- in the/ wall1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/קִּ֔יר3×
- הַ/קִּ֑יר3×
- בְּ/קִ֔יר3×
- קִירֹתָ֛י/ו2×
- קִיר֨וֹת2×
- קִיר֥וֹת2×
- קִ֔יר2×
- לְ/קִ֣יר2×
- בְּ/קִֽיר\׃2×
- קִיר֤וֹת1×
- קִיר֣וֹת1×
- קִיר֙1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 22:25
The donkey saw Yahweh’s angel, and she thrust herself to the wall, and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall. He struck her again.
This verse shows the wall as a narrow boundary that restricts movement, illustrating how physical barriers can limit even divine encounters.
-
Joshua 2:15
Then she let them down by a cord through the window; for her house was on the side of the wall, and she lived on the wall.
Rahab’s house being on the wall highlights how walls could offer both concealment and risk, depending on who was inside.
-
I Samuel 19:10
Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he slipped away out of Saul’s presence; and he stuck the spear into the wall. David fled and escaped that night.
Saul driving his spear into the wall reveals how anger can turn a protective structure into a target of violence.
-
Leviticus 14:37
He shall examine the plague; and behold, if the plague is in the walls of the house with hollow streaks, greenish or reddish, and it appears to be deeper than the wall,
The plague in the walls shows that even sacred spaces and homes were subject to divine judgment, emphasizing the need for purity.
-
I Kings 6:29
He carved all the walls of the house around with carved figures of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, inside and outside.
Cherubim carved on the temple walls signify that God’s presence fills and sanctifies the boundaries of His dwelling place.