דּוּרָא

דּוּרָא

Dura, a place in Babylonia

Definition

Dura is a proper noun referring to a specific location in the province of Babylonia. It is mentioned only once in the Bible as the site where King Nebuchadnezzar erected a massive golden image, which all officials of his kingdom were commanded to worship (Daniel 3:1). The name likely signifies a walled or circular area, possibly a fortified plain or a designated district. Its sole biblical appearance is directly tied to the dramatic event of the three Hebrew youths' refusal to worship the idol, setting the stage for their miraculous deliverance from the fiery furnace.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in the Aramaic portion of the book of Daniel. It functions strictly as a geographical proper noun, identifying the location of Nebuchadnezzar's image. The context is a royal decree for a public, empire-wide act of idolatry, making the place name central to the narrative's setting (Daniel 3:1).

Etymology

The word דּוּרָא (Dûwrâʼ) is of Aramaic origin, derived from the root דּוּר (dûr, H1753), which means 'to dwell' or 'circle.' It is related to the concept of a dwelling place or an encampment, and by extension, a walled or circular area. This etymology suggests Dura was likely a defined, possibly fortified, district or plain within the Babylonian empire.

Semantic Range

While the place name 'Dura' itself is not inherently theological, its biblical context is profoundly significant. It represents the geographical epicenter of state-enforced idolatry and the ultimate test of covenant loyalty for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Understanding its setting enriches the narrative of Daniel 3, highlighting the clash between imperial power and faithful devotion to God. The location marks where human authority demanded worship, but God demonstrated superior sovereignty through divine deliverance. In the ancient Near East, rulers often erected large monuments or images in prominent public places to demonstrate their power and unify their empire under a state religion. The 'plain of Dura' was likely a known, open area suitable for gathering a vast crowd of officials. Identifying a specific location grounds the biblical account in a real historical and geographical setting, reflecting the common practice of using grand, public spectacles for political and religious propaganda in Babylonian culture. There are no direct Hebrew synonyms for this proper place name. Other Babylonian locations in Daniel include: בָּבֶל (Bâvel, H894) — the capital city, Babylon itself; and אוּלַי (ʼÛlay, H195) — the Ulai Canal, another geographical feature (Daniel 8:2).

Word Details