What does עִיר (ʿiyr) mean in the Bible?
עִיר (ʿiyr): Vigilant celestial beings, emphasizing active protective presence rather than passive observation
Hebrew · H5894
עִיר
A watcher , i.e. an angel (as guardian)
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Where it appears: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
This lexicon entry is part of our ongoing editorial review. If you notice missing content, unclear wording, or a possible correction, please send us a note through theConnect page. Screenshots are helpful.
עִירH5894
Pronunciationʿiyr
What does עִיר (ʿiyr) mean in the Bible?
עִיר (ʿiyr): Vigilant celestial beings, emphasizing active protective presence rather than passive observation
Full entry for עִיר (H5894) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How does the BSB render H5894?
The BSB source-word alignment has 3 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include a watcher (2), of the watchers (1).
Where does עִיר (ʿiyr) appear in Scripture?
The source-word alignment first shows this entry at Daniel 4:13. Its strongest book concentrations include Daniel (3).
Source Word Evidence
BSB source-word alignment connects this entry to exact verse rows, English rendering, source form, transliteration, and parsing.
How English Renders Ita watcher2×Daniel 4:13, Daniel 4:23
of the watchers1×Daniel 4:17
Show sample aligned rows
Usage map
A compact distribution from source-word alignment before the full evidence tables.
First aligned rowDaniel 4:13
Aligned rows3
Books represented1
Daniel3
Source forms
עִ֣יר2x‘îrDaniel 4:13, Daniel 4:23
עִירִין֙1x‘î·rînDaniel 4:17
Parsing patterns
Noun - masculine singular2xDaniel 4:13, Daniel 4:23
Noun - masculine plural1xDaniel 4:17
Evidence Summary
Hebrew word. Vigilant celestial beings, emphasizing active protective presence rather than passive observation
Source Gloss
a watcher , i.e. an angel (as guardian)
Extended definitionSource: Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon + Brown-Driver-Briggs
Vigilant celestial beings, emphasizing active protective presence rather than passive observation
a watcher, i.e. an angel (as guardian) BDB: waking Usage: watcher.
Word Origins
עִיר is built from this root: