שׁוּר (shur)
shur
to see
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb shur means to see, but with a specific focus on observation and scrutiny. It appears fourteen times in the Old Testament, primarily in Job, Numbers, and Jeremiah. The word describes more than casual looking; it implies watching carefully, observing details, or regarding something with attention.
Its usage often carries a sense of vigilance or stealth. In some contexts, it suggests lying in wait to watch an enemy or situation unfold. This active, intent gaze distinguishes it from simpler words for sight. The sources highlight its use in describing those who watch closely, whether to understand a divine act or to spy on opponents.
Translators typically render shur as "see," "behold," or "watch." The word’s strength lies in its emphasis on the observer’s focus. It is not passive perception but an engaged act of looking that seeks to perceive what is hidden or significant.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shur describes a gaze that is active and intent, rather than passive or casual. It implies watching with scrutiny, often to uncover what is hidden or significant. In the lives of biblical figures like Balaam or Job, this careful observation was not merely about sight but about understanding divine purposes or human realities. When we look closely at Scripture, we are invited to engage our attention deeply, seeking clarity in moments of confusion or despair.
This concept reminds us that God sees with perfect clarity. Unlike the hidden eyes of those who try to conceal their actions, the Divine gaze penetrates all darkness. For the believer, this offers profound comfort: you are fully known and carefully observed by a God who does not miss a detail. Whether in times of hope or deep sorrow, being seen by Him means you are never overlooked.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it will observe/ me2×
- he watches2×
- I observe/ him2×
- you observe/ him1×
- will he observe/ it1×
- will he observe/ him1×
- it will see/ him1×
- he observes/ it1×
- anyone perceives/ it1×
- and/ observe1×
- I will watch1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְשׁוּרֶֽ/נָּה\׃3×
- תְּשׁוּרֶ֥/נּוּ1×
- תְשׁוּרֶ֑/נּוּ1×
- תְשׁוּרֵ֣/נִי1×
- תְ֭שׁוּרֵ/נִי1×
- יָשׁוּר֙1×
- יָשֹׁ֤ר\׀1×
- יְשׁוּרֶ֑/נּוּ1×
- וְ/שׁ֥וּר1×
- אָשֽׁוּר\׃1×
- אֲשׁוּרֶ֖/נּוּ1×
- אֲשׁוּרֶ֑/נּוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 24:17
I see him, but not now. I see him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob. A scepter will rise out of Israel, and shall strike through the corners of Moab, and crush all the sons of Sheth.
Balaam uses this intense form of seeing to prophesy a future messianic figure, showing the word’s capacity to perceive hidden divine plans.
-
Job 35:5
Look to the skies, and see. See the skies, which are higher than you.
Job challenges his friends to look upward with focused attention, using the word to direct their gaze toward the majesty of God.
-
Jeremiah 5:26
For wicked men are found among my people. They watch, as fowlers lie in wait. They set a trap. They catch men.
The prophet describes wicked men lying in wait like hunters, highlighting the stealthy and predatory nature of this specific type of watching.