תּוֹר (tor)
tor
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H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun tor is a rare word that appears only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 4:16. Its primary meaning refers to a physical twist or curl, such as a plait of hair or a circlet of gold. The sources describe it as a "turn" or "plait," pointing to something twisted into a specific shape.
In its single biblical occurrence, the term describes a group of men known as the "sons of Tor." While some lexica suggest a secondary sense of custom or manner, the context here is clearly genealogical. The word identifies a family line rather than describing a behavior or tradition. Translators typically render it simply as a proper name, reflecting its use as an identifier for a specific clan within the tribe of Simeon.
Its etymology likely relates to the root meaning "to twist" or "to turn," which explains the imagery of braided hair or coiled metal. Because it is so scarce in Scripture, it offers little insight into broader theological themes. Instead, it serves as a specific historical marker, preserving the name of a family group that might otherwise have been lost to time.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tor appears only once in the entire Old Testament, found in 1 Chronicles 4:16 within the genealogy of Simeon. It identifies a specific family line known as the sons of Tor. While some ancient roots suggest meanings like twisting or plaiting, perhaps recalling braided hair or coiled metal, the biblical text uses it simply as a name. This rare term serves as a historical marker, preserving the identity of a clan that might otherwise have faded from memory.
For your faith life, this single occurrence reminds us that God cares about individual names and family lines. Even when a word is obscure or appears only once, Scripture records it with purpose. You are not forgotten by God; every name in His book matters. This genealogy shows that He remembers the details of human history, including those who lived long ago.
When you read these lists, consider the faithfulness of God to preserve His people across generations. Just as tor was kept in the record, so too are your own steps known and valued by Him. Let this encourage you that your life has significance in His grand narrative, written for our instruction and hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- according to/ [the] order of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְּ/ת֧וֹר1×