Strong's Lexicon shemurah: Vigil, watch, observance Original Word: שְׁמֻרָה Word Origin: Derived from the root שָׁמַר (shamar), meaning "to keep, guard, observe." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek equivalent often associated with the concept of watchfulness is γρηγορέω (gregoreō - Strong's Greek 1127), meaning "to be watchful, vigilant." Usage: The term "shemurah" is used to denote a period of watchfulness or a vigil. It implies a time set aside for careful observation or guarding, often in a religious or ceremonial context. The root word "shamar" suggests an active engagement in keeping or preserving something of importance. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Israelite culture, the concept of keeping watch was integral to both daily life and religious practice. Shepherds kept watch over their flocks, guards watched over city gates, and priests observed religious rites. The idea of a vigil or watch was also significant in the context of Passover, where the Israelites were instructed to keep watch as they prepared for their exodus from Egypt. This period of watchfulness was both a physical and spiritual act, symbolizing readiness and obedience to God's commands. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shamar Definition eyelid NASB Translation eyelids* (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שְׁמֻרָה] noun feminine eye-lid (from its guarding the eye); — plural construct שְׁמֻרוֺת עֵינָ֑י Psalm 77:5. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance waking Feminine of passive participle of shamar; something guarded, i.e. An eye-lid -- waking. see HEBREW shamar Forms and Transliterations שְׁמֻר֣וֹת שמרות šə·mu·rō·wṯ šəmurōwṯ shemuRotLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 77:4 HEB: אָ֭חַזְתָּ שְׁמֻר֣וֹת עֵינָ֑י נִ֝פְעַ֗מְתִּי KJV: mine eyes waking: I am so troubled INT: have held waking eyes troubled 1 Occurrence |