טוּר

טוּר

a rock or hill

Definition

The Hebrew noun טוּר (ṭûwr) primarily means 'mountain' or 'large hill.' In its two biblical occurrences in the book of Daniel, it specifically refers to a great stone or rock that becomes a mountain, symbolizing an unshakable, divinely established kingdom (Daniel 2:35, 45). While the core meaning is a prominent geological feature, in its Aramaic context in Daniel, it carries a metaphorical sense of permanence and overwhelming power, contrasting with the fragile, human-made kingdoms represented by the statue.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel, specifically in the interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream. In both Daniel 2:35 and 2:45, it describes the 'stone cut out not by human hands' that strikes the statue and then grows into a great mountain that fills the whole earth. The usage is highly symbolic and prophetic, depicting the supernatural origin and ultimate dominion of God's eternal kingdom over all earthly empires.

Etymology

The word טוּר (ṭûwr) is an Aramaic noun borrowed into the biblical text. It corresponds directly to the Hebrew word צוּר (ṣûr, H6697), which more commonly means 'rock' or 'cliff.' This Aramaic cognate shares the same Semitic root, reflecting the common ancient Near Eastern vocabulary for rocky, elevated terrain. Its use in Daniel aligns with the Aramaic language of the court narratives in that book.

Semantic Range

טוּר is theologically significant as the central symbol in Daniel's prophecy of God's kingdom. It represents a kingdom of divine origin ('cut out not by hands') that is eternal, unbreakable, and destined to replace all human kingdoms (Daniel 2:44-45). Understanding this Aramaic term enriches the reading of Daniel by highlighting the contrast between the temporary, man-made empires (the statue) and the permanent, God-made kingdom (the mountain), a core theme of biblical eschatology. In the ancient Near East, mountains were often seen as symbols of stability, permanence, and divine dwelling places. The imagery of a stone becoming a mountain would have powerfully communicated an unstoppable, earth-filling dominion to Daniel's original audience. The dream's sequence—from a single stone to a world-filling mountain—visualizes a kingdom that starts small but achieves total and lasting supremacy, a concept familiar in the context of imperial expansion and cosmic symbolism. צוּר (ṣûr, H6697) — The more common Hebrew word for 'rock' or 'cliff,' often used for God as a refuge; הר (har, H2022) — The standard Hebrew word for 'mountain' or 'hill range,' used in hundreds of verses for literal and symbolic mountains.

Word Details