רִיר (rur)
rur
to run
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew word rur, found only once in the Old Testament, carries the simple meaning "to flow." It appears in Leviticus 15:3 within the laws concerning bodily discharges, describing a physical process that renders a person ritually unclean. In this specific context, it refers to the continuous or irregular flowing of fluid from the body.
Because its usage is so limited, the word does not develop complex theological nuances or metaphorical extensions in Scripture. It serves as a precise medical or descriptive term rather than a literary device. The text uses it to establish clear boundaries for ritual purity, highlighting how physical conditions impacted communal worship and social interaction in ancient Israel.
Translators typically render rur as "flow" or "running," maintaining the literal sense of movement without adding interpretive weight. This rare verb reminds readers that biblical law often addresses mundane bodily realities with the same seriousness it gives to moral commands, integrating physical health into the broader framework of holiness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word rur appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Leviticus 15:3. It describes a physical flow or running of fluid from the body. This rare term is part of the detailed laws regarding ritual purity and bodily discharges in ancient Israel.
While the context is specific to ceremonial law, it reminds us that God cares about the whole person. Physical conditions were not ignored but addressed with clarity and care. This shows that holiness includes attention to everyday bodily realities, integrating health into the broader framework of community life and worship.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it has secreted1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רָ֣ר1×
Key Verses
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Leviticus 15:3
This shall be his uncleanness in his discharge: whether his body runs with his discharge, or his body has stopped from his discharge, it is his uncleanness.
This verse uses rur to define the specific physical condition that renders a person ritually unclean, establishing clear boundaries for communal interaction.