צוּר

From the study of Deuteronomy 32:30

Range of meaning

A large rock, cliff or mountain crag. Such places were natural fortresses and hiding places in the hill country (Judges 6:2; 1 Samuel 24:2). As a title for God it means a reliable refuge, protector and source of stability. In the Song of Moses it is God's main title (vv. 4, 15, 18, 30, 31). The word can also be used of other gods (vv. 31, 37: 'the rock in which they took refuge').

Against the English

BSB, NIV, ESV and NASB capitalise 'Rock' to show it is a title for God. KJV and WEB also have 'their Rock'. YLT's lower-case 'rock' leaves open whose god is meant.

Used elsewhere in the period

Israelite names built on this word appear in Numbers 1: Elizur ('my God is a rock'), Zurishaddai, Pedahzur. Psalm 18:2 and 2 Samuel 22:3 have 'my rock, in whom I take refuge'. The Greek Septuagint usually translates this title in the Song not as 'rock' but as theos, 'God' ('God had sold them'). It seems to have avoided calling God a rock outright.

From the study of Isaiah 26:4

Range of meaning

A large rock, boulder, cliff or crag. Also the rock that gave water in the wilderness (Exod 17:6). Used figuratively for a refuge or stronghold, and as a title of God: 'the Rock' (Deut 32:4, 15, 18, 30–31; 2 Sam 22:3, 32; Ps 18:2; 62:2, 6–7). In the rugged hill country of Judah, cliffs and rock heights were places to hide and natural fortresses.

Against the English

KJV has 'everlasting strength' in the text and puts 'Heb. the rock of ages' in its margin. That turns the picture into an abstract quality. Modern versions bring back 'Rock'. The early Greek (LXX) and the Latin Vulgate also avoid the image (see textual notes).

How it drifted

Ancient translators often avoided calling God a 'rock', perhaps out of caution about likening God to an object. KJV's 'strength' follows an older line of interpretation, not the plain Hebrew word.

Used elsewhere in the period

The Song of Moses (Deut 32) is the classic use: 'The Rock, his work is perfect' (32:4), set against the 'rock' of the nations' gods (32:31). Isaiah himself calls God 'the Rock of Israel' (Isa 30:29) and asks 'Is there a god besides me? There is no Rock' (Isa 44:8). Personal names such as Elizur ('my God is a rock', Num 1:5) show how ordinary the image was.

From the study of Isaiah 51:1

Range of meaning

Rock, boulder, cliff or rock face: solid bedrock. It is also used as a title for God, "the Rock" (Deut 32:4, 15, 18, 30–31; Isa 17:10; 26:4; 30:29; 44:8), suggesting stability, refuge and origin.

Against the English

English readers steeped in hymns ("Rock of Ages") tend to hear "the rock" as God or Christ. Here the immediate parallel in v. 2 points to a human ancestor, Abraham, as the rock Israel was quarried from.

How it drifted

Because "the Rock" is a common divine title, readers may carry it into every biblical "rock". Here the context sets a different referent, although an echo of Deuteronomy 32:18 ("the Rock who bore you") is possible.

Used elsewhere in the period

Deuteronomy 32:18 uses tsur together with birth imagery for God as Israel's origin. A later rabbinic midrash (Yalkut Shimoni on Num 23:9) calls Abraham a "rock" (petra) on which God could build the world. That shows Jewish tradition read this verse as being about Abraham.