Pur
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The Hebrew word pur, meaning lot, refers to the casting of lots used to determine fate, specifically in the Book of Esther where Haman employed this method to select an auspicious date for his plot against the Jewish people.
What is the meaning of Pur in the Bible?
The Hebrew word pur, meaning lot, refers to the casting of lots used to determine fate, specifically in the Book of Esther where Haman employed this method to select an auspicious date for his plot against the Jewish people.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing pur as a divinatory lot illuminates the ancient worldview regarding chance and divine providence in the Book of Esther, while also explaining the etymological root of the festival name Purim, which commemorates the reversal of the fate intended by those cast lots.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Pur in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Pur clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.