What does עִיר (ʿiyr) mean in the Bible?
עִיר (ʿiyr): Vigilant celestial beings, emphasizing active protective presence rather than passive observation
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 the Connect page. Screenshots are helpful.
עִיר (ʿiyr): Vigilant celestial beings, emphasizing active protective presence rather than passive observation
Full entry for עִיר (H5894) · Open the biblical lexicon
עִיר (ʿiyr): Vigilant celestial beings, emphasizing active protective presence rather than passive observation
The BSB source-word alignment has 3 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include a watcher (2), of the watchers (1).
The source-word alignment first shows this entry at Daniel 4:13. Its strongest book concentrations include Daniel (3).
BSB source-word alignment connects this entry to exact verse rows, English rendering, source form, transliteration, and parsing.
How English Renders ItA compact distribution from source-word alignment before the full evidence tables.
Hebrew word. Vigilant celestial beings, emphasizing active protective presence rather than passive observation
Vigilant celestial beings, emphasizing active protective presence rather than passive observation
a watcher, i.e. an angel (as guardian) BDB: waking Usage: watcher.
עִיר is built from this root:
MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML — CC0 1.0 Public Domain
Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (morphhb/OSHB) — CC BY 4.0
Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon — CC BY 4.0
Berean Standard Bible (BSB) source-word alignment - CC0 Public Domain