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H8446 · Hebrew · Old Testament
תּוּר
Tur
Verb
Search out; spy; travel; explore

Definition

The spies who went to "tur" the promised land (Numbers 13-14) represent two very different theological responses to what they found: ten saw only giants, two (Joshua and Caleb) saw the land through the lens of God's promise. The same act of searching produces entirely different conclusions depending on one's faith. Tur is also used in Ecclesiastes 1:13 of Qoheleth's exploration of wisdom "under the sun" — a thorough but bounded search that ultimately points to God.

Usage & Theological Significance

Tur means to go about searching, to explore or spy out a land, to survey possibilities. The twelve spies sent into Canaan were told to "tur" the land (Numbers 13:2) — a careful reconnaissance mission. It also describes the searching of one's own heart.

Key Bible Verses

Numbers 13:2 "Send men to spy out (tur) the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel."
Numbers 13:16 These were the names of the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land.
Ecclesiastes 1:13 And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven.
Numbers 15:39 "You shall remember all the commandments of the LORD, to do them, not to follow after your own heart and your own eyes."
Job 39:8 He ranges the mountains as his pasture, and he searches after every green thing.

Related Words

External Resources

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