tsur denotes a rock or rocky formation and can name God as a protecting, saving Rock.

The term most often identifies a physical rock, rocky place, or rock formation, including rocks that shelter, yield water, or are cut into; it also functions as a designation for God in clauses of refuge, salvation, justice, and exclusive divine comparison.

1. Physical rock or rocky formation · dominant

   Singular and plural noun forms identify tangible rocks and rocky places: in Exodus 17:6 the APB renders a rock at Horeb that is struck so water comes out, while Exodus 33:22 places someone in its crevice. Isaiah 2:19 and Isaiah 2:21 describe people entering caves and crevices of rocks, and Job 19:24 depicts writing hewn in rock.

   Exodus 17:6Exodus 33:22Isaiah 2:19Isaiah 2:21Job 19:24Job 24:8
2. Divine designation in refuge and praise · common

   The singular noun is used of God in direct comparison and address. In 1 Samuel 2:2 the APB renders the claim that no rock is like God; 2 Samuel 22:3 calls God “my rock” in a clause about taking refuge, and Deuteronomy 32:4 links “The Rock” with perfect work and just ways. Isaiah 26:4 joins trust in the LORD with an everlasting rock.

   1 Samuel 2:22 Samuel 22:3Deuteronomy 32:4Deuteronomy 32:15Isaiah 26:4Isaiah 44:8

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB commonly presents the physical use as “rock” or “rocks,” as in Exodus 17:6 and Isaiah 2:19. In divine-reference clauses it often uses capitalized “Rock,”.