צוּר
Tsur
Rock, cliff, boulder
Tsur (צוּר) is a Hebrew word meaning “rock, cliff, boulder,” pronounced “TSOOR.” Derived from the root צ-ו-ר, tsur appears 78 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H6697).
| Hebrew | צוּר |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Tsur |
| Pronunciation | TSOOR |
| Meaning | Rock, cliff, boulder |
| Root Letters | צ-ו-ר |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 78× |
| Key Verse | Psalm 18:2 |
| Strong's Number | H6697 |
| Category | Nature & Creation |
In the arid wilderness of the ancient Near East, a massive rock formation was not just a geological feature — it was shelter from the scorching sun, protection from enemies, and sometimes the miraculous source of water. This is why tsur (צוּר) became one of the most beloved names for God in the Hebrew Bible. David, who spent years hiding in rocky wilderness caves, declared, 'The LORD is my tsur, my fortress, my deliverer' (Psalm 18:2). Moses sang, 'He is the Tsur, His work is perfect' (Deuteronomy 32:4). Isaiah proclaimed, 'Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting tsur' (Isaiah 26:4). But perhaps the most powerful tsur moment comes in Exodus 17, when God told Moses to strike the rock and water poured out for a dying nation in the desert. Paul interpreted this christologically: 'That tsur was Christ' (1 Corinthians 10:4). The rock that gives living water in the wilderness is a profound image of Christ sustaining His people in their most desperate hour. Understanding tsur means understanding that God is unshakable, immovable, and utterly dependable — the one solid foundation when everything else crumbles.
Key Bible Verse: Psalm 18:2
“The LORD is my rock (tsur) and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge.”
What Is the Root of Tsur in Hebrew?
Tsur comes from the root צ-ו-ר, meaning 'to be hard, rocky.' A related word, 'even' (אֶבֶן), means 'stone.' Tsur specifically refers to a large, imposing rock or cliff — the kind that provides shelter and security. Its frequent use as a divine title reveals God as the ultimate refuge.
What Does Tsur Mean in the Bible?
Tsur appears approximately 78 times in the Hebrew Bible. It is used as a divine name ('The Rock,' Deuteronomy 32:4), a metaphor for God's protection (Psalm 18:2), and literally for the rock from which God brought water (Exodus 17:6). The related word 'sela' (another type of rock) appears in Psalm 18:2 as well.
How Is Tsur Used in Modern Hebrew?
Masada, the famous fortress overlooking the Dead Sea, sits atop a massive tsur and symbolizes Jewish resistance and determination. The name 'Zurich' may derive from a Celtic word related to tsur. 'Tsur Yisrael' (Rock of Israel) appears in Israel's Declaration of Independence.
How to Use Tsur in Prayer & Worship
When your world feels unstable, declare with David: 'The LORD is my Tsur!' Stand on the unshakable rock of God's character. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever — the foundation that never cracks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tsur
How do you say “Rock” in Hebrew?
“Rock” in Hebrew is Tsur (צוּר), pronounced “TSOOR.” Tsur comes from the root צ-ו-ר, meaning 'to be hard, rocky.' A related word, 'even' (אֶבֶן), means 'stone.' Tsur specifically refers to a large, imposing rock or cliff — the kind that provides shelter and security. Its frequent use as a divine title reveals God as the ultimate refuge.
What does Tsur mean in the Bible?
Tsur (צוּר) means “Rock, cliff, boulder” in Biblical Hebrew. Tsur appears approximately 78 times in the Hebrew Bible. It is used as a divine name ('The Rock,' Deuteronomy 32:4), a metaphor for God's protection (Psalm 18:2), and literally for the rock from which God brought water (Exodus 17:6). The related word 'sela' (another type of rock) appears in Psalm 18:2 as well.
How do you pronounce Tsur?
Tsur is pronounced “TSOOR.” The word comes from the Hebrew root צ-ו-ר.
Why is God called 'The Rock' in the Bible?
In the desert wilderness, a large rock (tsur) provided shade from heat, shelter from storms, protection from enemies, and sometimes water. By calling God his tsur, David was saying: God is my shelter, my protection, my unshakable foundation, and my source of life. Deuteronomy 32:4 says 'He is the Rock, his work is perfect' — His reliability is absolute.
How did Paul connect the rock in Exodus to Christ?
In 1 Corinthians 10:4, Paul writes that the Israelites 'drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ.' He interpreted the tsur that provided water in the wilderness (Exodus 17:6) as a type of Christ — the one who provides living water (John 4:14) and sustains His people through every wilderness season.
What is the difference between tsur and even in Hebrew?
Tsur refers to a large, imposing rock formation or cliff — massive, immovable, providing shelter. Even (אֶבֶן) refers to a stone or individual rock, often something that can be picked up or used for building. When the Bible calls God 'Tsur,' it emphasizes His massive, unshakable nature. Jesus is called both the 'cornerstone' (even) and the 'rock' (petra/tsur) — foundation and fortress.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H6697: Tsur
- Bible Gateway — Psalm 18:2 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for צ-ו-ר
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