Lexical Summary tur: mountain Original Word: טוּר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance mountain (Aramaic) corresponding to tsuwr; a rock or hill -- mountain. see HEBREW tsuwr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to tsur Definition mountain NASB Translation mountain (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs טוּר noun masculine mountain (ᵑ7, Syriac, Nabataean, SAC58; Biblical Hebrew צוּר, √ V. צור); — absolute ׳ט Daniel 2:35; emphatic טוּרָא Daniel 2:45. Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scriptureטוּר appears twice, both in the Aramaic section of Daniel (Daniel 2:35; Daniel 2:45). In each case it designates the “mountain” from which, or into which, the messianic “stone” is involved in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Historical and Linguistic Setting The book of Daniel alternates between Hebrew and Aramaic. Chapters 2–7 are written in Imperial Aramaic, the diplomatic language of the Babylonian and Persian courts. Within this milieu, טוּר functions as the courtly Aramaic counterpart to the Hebrew הַר (har, mountain). Its limited use underscores the vividness of the dream narrative rather than establishing a broad lexical field. Theological Significance 1. Divine Origin Daniel interprets the stone that “was cut out of the mountain without hands” (Daniel 2:45) as a work produced entirely by God. The mountain therefore represents the heavenly source of the kingdom that will replace all earthly empires. Unlike the composite, man-made statue, the mountain is untouched by human craftsmanship, underscoring the transcendence of God’s plan. 2. Kingdom Expansion In Daniel 2:35 the stone “became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.” The movement from singular stone to encompassing mountain graphically depicts the universality of God’s kingdom (cf. Psalm 72:8; Isaiah 11:9). טוּר is thus a symbol of unstoppable growth, contrasting with the fragmentation of the statue’s brittle feet. 3. Contrast with Pagan Power Centers Mountains in the Ancient Near East often hosted temples to national deities. By portraying the true God’s kingdom as a mountain that eclipses the imperial image, Daniel challenges Babylonian claims of cosmic authority. The imagery confirms that “the Most High is sovereign over the kingdom of men” (Daniel 4:17). Prophetic and Christological Implications 1. Messianic Stone The stone “cut without hands” has long been understood as typifying the Messiah. Passages such as Isaiah 28:16, Psalm 118:22, Matthew 21:42–44, Acts 4:11, and 1 Peter 2:6–8 link the rejected stone motif to Jesus Christ. The mountain supplying the stone, therefore, indirectly points to the Father’s initiative in sending the Son. 2. Eschatological Fulfillment Daniel’s mountain anticipates the consummation described in Revelation 11:15: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.” The final, unified mountain-kingdom stands in stark relief against the divided metals of human empire, validating prophetic consistency from Daniel to Revelation. Ministry Applications • Assurance of God’s Sovereignty Believers ministering in pluralistic or hostile environments can draw confidence from the vision of the mountain that supplants every human regime. • Gospel Mission The stone that “became a great mountain” encourages evangelism with the certainty that the kingdom will indeed “fill the whole earth.” Mission work participates in this foretold expansion. • Holiness and Separation The stone is “cut without hands,” calling the Church to rely on divine power rather than political maneuver. Ministry strategy is measured by faithfulness to the King, not by assimilation to the culture’s metals. Related Biblical Themes and Cross References Genesis 49:24 – “the Rock of Israel” Exodus 19:16–20 – Sinai as meeting place with God Psalm 18:2 – “The LORD is my rock” Isaiah 2:2 – “The mountain of the house of the LORD will be established” Micah 4:1–3 – worldwide pilgrimage to the mountain of the LORD Hebrews 12:18–24 – contrast between Sinai and the heavenly Mount Zion Summary Though appearing only twice, טוּר powerfully serves Daniel’s purpose: to reveal a divine, everlasting kingdom that originates beyond human agency, shatters every rival power, and expands until it fills the earth. The mountain in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream therefore stands as a timeless reminder of God’s unassailable rule and the ultimate triumph of the Messiah’s kingdom. Forms and Transliterations לְט֥וּר לטור מִטּוּרָא֩ מטורא lə·ṭūr leTur ləṭūr miṭ·ṭū·rā mittuRa miṭṭūrāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 2:35 HEB: לְצַלְמָ֗א הֲוָ֛ת לְט֥וּר רַ֖ב וּמְלָ֥ת NAS: a great mountain and filled KJV: a great mountain, and filled INT: the statue became mountain A great and filled Daniel 2:45 2 Occurrences |
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