HEBREW WORD STUDY: LIGHT אור
Genesis 1:3- And God said, “Let there be light”, and there was light.
One of the first words that drew me to desperately to want to learn Biblical Hebrew is the word Light ‘Or אור. While there are different applications of this word for light, I think today’s study, for me, really gets to the core of its meaning.
The first time we see ‘Or used in scripture is Genesis 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light”, and there was light. However, this verse is not referring to the luminaries of the sky as they were created later. When my nephews were little and would sleepover we’d talk about Jesus, heaven, angels…etc. and they were always so fascinated when I’d tell them how Jesus, not the sun, lights up all of heaven. Of course, they also loved the idea that once in heaven they’d never have to sleep or nap again. Isaiah 60: 19 The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light ‘Or, and your God will be your glory
I’ll share a dream the LORD gave me when I was first saved that helps me to understand ‘Or light. There was a girl standing on a rock outstretched over a body of water. I could feel it was the calm after a storm and the beginning of a new day. The sun was soft, the temperature felt a perfect 72 ish degrees, and I could feel a refreshing light mist coming off the water. The girl was wearing a long, flowing white gown and she was looking up to heaven with deep awe and love in her eyes. Though I could not see Jesus, I could see the light of His countenance shining on her face. There were no words spoken, but you could see this intense exchange of pure love between the two radiating on her face and back to Him. She was able to reciprocate love because she was so aware of and experiencing His love for her. When I woke up I realized that though I didn’t know God this deeply yet, it was going to be my pursuit in life to walk with Him and know Him intimately which to me is the greatest blessing. Numbers 6: 24-26 The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine ‘Or on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace shalom.
Would you like Chaim Bentorah as your personal Hebrew teacher?
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So what is this light ‘Or? I believe it is the very essence of God Himself, which we see in the letters that spell out ‘Or א: Father God, ו: Jesus the Son (our connection “ו” to heaven) and ר: Holy Spirit. God is love and everything that falls under the umbrella of love: peace, wholeness, protection, which describes the word Shalom. I believe there is also a play on words with the words Light אור and skin עור. For me, when Jesus spoke light into the void it’s as if he was preparing all of creation to hold His life force, His omnipresence, and what gives all of His creation the ability to be in harmony with Him and each other.
I pray that as we lovingly yield our hearts to the will of God, and walk-in unity with Him, that we would experience His love and peace. That our relationship with Jesus would be radiant and that the light ‘Or of His countenance would shine upon us…upon you.
Blessings, Laura
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Thanks & Blessings, it means a lot to me!
Hi, I was just wondering, who is Laura? Are you the wife of Chaim?
Thank you so much for this wonderful resource. It’s a real blessing.
Shalom.
Hello Mary
I am Chaim’s friend and partner in ministry.
Blessings,
Laura
p.s. you can also check out the “about us” section to learn more.
I have also had a dream regarding the light of God. I walked outside and I could feel it on me and see it around me. Such joy and peace and I was awestruck in my dream. The light that filled the space around me was rainbow coloured and shimmering. The whole air was filled with shimmering gold and colour. It was an amazingly beautiful dream
Thank you for sharing. Beautiful! I believe I’ll be studying “Light”, especially ‘Or, the rest of my life.
Laura,
I need to change my email and I went to the home page and tried to change my email address. I don’t know that I succeeded. I put in my password but don’t know that it took, so I pressed on getting a new password, but don’t know if that succeeded. my current email is below.
Thanks for any help, I don’t want to lose contact with your site.
Hi David
I updated your information and you should now receive the daily devotions at your new email address. We don’t want you to lose contact with us either :)
Wow! Love this! One of my favourite verses explained♡♡♡
Thanks for sharing Judy : ) Yes, definitely an intriguing verse
I so resonate with this! This is my understanding and hearts desire also, that I could manifest forth His glory and love to a broken world. That we might epiginosko ..know intimately..Him and the power of His might!
I love that God is bringing like-hearted people together here on the blog <3
Laura, thank you for this uplifting and comforting reflection on Genesis 1:3, light. For me, the word faith as in “aman” and “emunah” were my appetizers into the Hebraic perspective over 10 years ago. I like you, am a work in progress, but thank God that each day we become a bit more radiant to those around us! We also realize that without God, we would be pretty dark, dirty, sullied creatures. Thanks!
Amen, and thank you for sharing your “appetizers”.
Thank you. Great word study.
You’re welcome and thank you Tim
Thanks so much for this, Laura. It took me a while to get through this word study, as I kept drifting off to that picture of the girl and God expressing love for each other. What a beautiful picture of what we can experience at any moment by simply choosing to be still and inwardly focusing on God’s unfailing love for us.
Yes, “inwardly focusing on God’s unfailing love”!
Thank you Laura. What a beautiful description of light. Of course…it makes sense. Through Chaim’s and your messages and devotionals, books etc., I am seeing ever more clearly the deep,hidden treasures of the the incredible vastness of the love in the heart of God. Thank you ever so much for taking us on this journey.
Thank you for your kind words Patricia