שׁוּר (shur)
shur
wall
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun shur refers simply to a wall, serving as the equivalent of its Hebrew counterpart shur (H7791). In the biblical text, it appears exclusively in the book of Ezra, where it describes physical structures within Jerusalem. The word carries no metaphorical weight; it denotes the literal stone or brick barriers that protected the city.
Its usage is highly specific and limited. It occurs only three times, all within Ezra 4:21, in a letter from King Artaxerxes to his officials. The king commands them to ensure that no repairs are made to the wall of Jerusalem, highlighting the political tension surrounding the city’s reconstruction. Here, shur represents the fortified boundary that had been damaged and was now subject to royal prohibition.
Translators consistently render this term as "wall," reflecting its straightforward architectural meaning. Unlike some biblical words that shift between physical and spiritual senses, shur remains grounded in the material reality of construction. It underscores the tangible nature of the rebuilding efforts and the external forces attempting to halt them.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shur refers to a wall, specifically the physical barriers that protected ancient cities like Jerusalem. In Ezra, it appears in a letter from King Artaxerxes, who ordered the work stopped because he feared a fortified city would become independent and harmful to his rule. This historical detail shows how tangible structures often became focal points for political power and control.
For your faith, this reminds us that building something lasting can attract resistance. When you are working on projects that matter—whether in your family, church, or community—you may face opposition from those who feel threatened by your progress. The Bible does not promise an easy path, but it does show that God’s purposes often advance despite human attempts to halt them.
Even when external forces try to stop the work, the foundation laid by God remains secure. You can trust that He sees your efforts and protects what is truly His. Let this historical moment encourage you to keep building, knowing that no wall raised for God’s glory will ultimately fail.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ walls/ the3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/שׁוּרַיָּ֖/ה2×
- וְ/שׁוּרַיָּ֣/א1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 4:12
Be it known to the king that the Jews who came up from you have come to us to Jerusalem. They are building the rebellious and bad city, and have finished the walls and repaired the foundations.
This verse highlights the initial accusation against the Jews, linking their rebuilding of the walls to a charge of rebellion against the king.
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Ezra 4:13
Be it known now to the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and in the end it will be hurtful to the kings.
Here the political fear is explicit: finished walls mean the city will no longer pay tribute, threatening the king's revenue and authority.
-
Ezra 4:16
We inform the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, then you will have no possession beyond the River.
The letter warns that a completed wall will result in the loss of royal possession over the entire region beyond the River.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word shur mean?
Why does shur appear so rarely in the Bible?
How is shur different from other words for wall?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Ezra 3 verses
Be it known to the king that the Jews who came up from you have come to us to Jerusalem. They are building the…
Ezra 4:13Be it known now to the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or…
Ezra 4:16We inform the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, then you will have no possession beyond the River.