פּוּר

פּוּר

a lot (as by means of a broken piece)

Definition

פּוּר (Pûwr) is a Hebrew noun meaning 'lot,' specifically referring to a small object like a pebble or broken piece used in casting lots to make a decision or determine fate. Its primary and only biblical usage is in the Book of Esther, where it refers to the 'lot' cast by Haman to determine the date for the planned destruction of the Jewish people (Esther 3:7). The plural form, פּוּרִים (Purim), gives its name to the Jewish festival of Purim, which commemorates the reversal of this fate, as recorded in Esther 9:24-26. Thus, the word signifies both the physical object of chance and the pivotal event it set in motion.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the Book of Esther. It appears seven times, always in the context of Haman's casting of the 'pur' (lot) to set a date for genocide (Esther 3:7) and in the subsequent establishment of the festival named 'Purim' to commemorate the Jews' deliverance (e.g., Esther 9:24, 9:26, 9:28-29, 9:31-32). The usage shifts from the singular 'pur' (the lot itself) to the plural 'Purim' (the festival named after the lots).

Etymology

The noun פּוּר (H6332) is derived from the verb פּוּר (H6331), which means 'to break' or 'to crush.' This root connection suggests the 'lot' was originally a small, broken piece of pottery, stone, or wood used in the casting process. The plural forms are פּוּרִים or פֻּרִים (Purim).

Semantic Range

The word פּוּר is theologically significant as it highlights the theme of God's hidden providence. In Esther, the casting of the 'pur' represents human schemes and apparent chance, yet the story reveals God's sovereign hand working behind the scenes to protect His people and fulfill His promises. Understanding this term enriches the reading of Esther by emphasizing that what seems like random fate is ultimately under divine control, leading to the establishment of a joyous festival of deliverance. In the ancient Near East, casting lots (like the 'pur') was a common method for making decisions, believing the outcome was determined by divine will. The 'pur' was likely a small object like a marked stone or potsherd drawn from a container. The Book of Esther subverts this practice: while Haman uses the lot to seek a favorable date for evil, God overturns the intended outcome, transforming a symbol of intended destruction into a name for a celebration of salvation. גּוֹרָל (gôrāl, H1486) — A more common general term for 'lot' or 'portion,' used for inheritance, destiny, and the objects cast (e.g., Joshua 18:6, Proverbs 16:33). פּוּר is a specific type of lot, and its biblical usage is uniquely tied to the events in Esther.

Word Details