תּוֹר (tor)
tor
plait
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun tor describes a physical twist or curl, specifically referring to a plaited strand of hair or a twisted ring of gold. It appears in only four verses, giving it a rare and precise presence in the biblical text. In Song of Solomon 1:10 and 4:21, the word paints vivid portraits of beauty, describing the beloved’s cheeks as having the elegant curve of a plaited decoration or her neck as adorned with a twisted chain of gold.
Its meaning extends beyond mere ornamentation to suggest order and succession. In Esther 1:14, the same root describes a sequence or order, specifically the line of precedence among the king’s advisors. This usage highlights how the concept of twisting into a structured form applies to social hierarchy as well as physical appearance.
Translators typically render tor as "plait" or "turn," capturing the tactile nature of the word. The sources note that it conveys a sense of deliberate arrangement, whether in the intricate styling of hair or the formal ranking of court officials. This lexical precision helps readers appreciate the detailed imagery used to describe both royal splendor and intimate beauty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tor describes a deliberate twisting into a structured form, whether in the intricate styling of hair or the formal ranking of court officials. In Song of Solomon, it paints vivid portraits of beauty, describing the beloved’s cheeks as having the elegant curve of a plaited decoration. This lexical precision helps readers appreciate the detailed imagery used to describe both royal splendor and intimate beauty.
In Esther, the same root describes a sequence or order, specifically the line of precedence among the king’s advisors. This usage highlights how the concept of twisting into a structured form applies to social hierarchy as well as physical appearance. Translators typically render tor as 'plait' or 'turn,' capturing the tactile nature of the word.
Understanding this rare Hebrew noun invites us to see God’s attention to detail in both the natural world and human relationships. Just as a plait requires care and intention, so too does our life in Christ. We are invited to trust in the order of His timing, even when it feels like a long wait.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] turn of2×
- with <the>/ strings of jewels1×
- necklaces of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תּוֹרֵ֤י1×
- תֹּר֩1×
- תֹּר\־1×
- בַּ/תֹּרִ֔ים1×
Key Verses
-
Esther 2:12
Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after her purification for twelve months (for so were the days of their purification accomplished, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet fragrances and with preparations for beautifying women).
This verse uses tor to describe the twelve-month sequence of purification rites, highlighting the structured order required before approaching the king.
-
Esther 2:15
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, came to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s eunuch, the keeper of the women, advised. Esther obtained favor in the sight of all those who looked at her.
Here tor marks Esther’s specific turn in the line of precedence, showing how the word applies to social hierarchy and divine timing.
-
Song of Solomon 1:10
Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels.
The word describes the beautiful plaited earrings adorning the beloved, illustrating its use for physical ornamentation and aesthetic order.