{
  "id": "dict_005262",
  "term": "Shomer",
  "slug": "shomer",
  "letter": "S",
  "entry_type": "original_language_term",
  "entry_family": "theological_term",
  "depth_profile": "standard",
  "short_definition": "A Hebrew lexical term from the שׁמר word group meaning \"keep,\" \"guard,\" \"watch,\" or \"observe,\" depending on context.",
  "simple_one_line": "A Hebrew word for keeping, guarding, watching, or observing.",
  "tooltip_text": "Hebrew שׁמר (shamar/shomer) can mean to keep, guard, watch, protect, or observe; context determines the translation.",
  "aliases": [],
  "scripture_references": [],
  "original_language_terms": [],
  "related_entries": [
    "keeper",
    "guard",
    "watchman",
    "obedience",
    "covenant",
    "watchfulness"
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "shepherd",
    "steward",
    "preserve",
    "commandments"
  ],
  "lede_intro": "Shomer is a Hebrew lexical term from the שׁמר word group. In Scripture it can refer to guarding, keeping, watching, protecting, or carefully observing something, with the exact sense determined by context.",
  "at_a_glance_definition": "Hebrew term from the שׁמר word group meaning keep, guard, watch, protect, or observe.",
  "at_a_glance_key_points": [
    "Often translated according to context rather than used as a fixed theological label. • Can describe literal guarding, covenant obedience, or careful observance. • Highlights both protection and faithful responsibility."
  ],
  "description_academic_short": "Shomer is a transliterated Hebrew term from the שׁמר root, commonly associated with keeping, guarding, watching, or observing. In biblical usage, the idea ranges from literal protection to covenant faithfulness and obedient observance.",
  "description_academic_full": "Shomer belongs to the Hebrew שׁמר word group, commonly rendered \"keep,\" \"guard,\" \"watch,\" \"protect,\" or \"observe\" in English translations. The related forms occur across a wide range of biblical contexts, including guarding property or people, keeping commandments, preserving what is entrusted, and watching over something carefully. As a transliterated Hebrew term, it is best treated as a lexical study entry rather than as a separate doctrinal category. Its biblical value lies in the way it connects protection, attentiveness, obedience, and covenant faithfulness.",
  "background_biblical_context": "In the Old Testament, the שׁמר word group appears in both ordinary and covenantal settings. It can describe the care of a keeper or guardian, the responsibility to protect what has been entrusted, and the duty to keep God’s commands. The concept also supports major biblical themes such as faithful obedience, moral vigilance, and the Lord’s preserving care for his people.",
  "background_historical_context": "In the ancient Near Eastern setting, guarding and keeping were ordinary responsibilities in household, agricultural, royal, and military life. Biblical writers used the same word group both for those practical duties and for covenant language, showing that faithfulness to God was understood in concrete, everyday terms of attentive care and obedience.",
  "background_jewish_ancient_context": "In Jewish interpretation and usage, the שׁמר word group often connects with Torah observance and covenant fidelity. The idea of \"keeping\" is not merely passive retention but active faithfulness—guarding what God has given, observing his words, and living in careful submission to his command.",
  "key_texts_primary": [
    "Genesis 2:15",
    "Genesis 4:9",
    "Deuteronomy 6:17",
    "Psalm 121:4-5"
  ],
  "key_texts_secondary": [
    "Psalm 19:11",
    "Psalm 141:3",
    "Proverbs 4:23",
    "Psalm 127:1"
  ],
  "original_language_note": "Hebrew root שׁמר (shāmar), commonly meaning \"to keep,\" \"guard,\" \"watch,\" or \"observe.\" The transliterated form \"shomer\" is often used for a keeper or guard in context, but the precise nuance depends on the passage.",
  "theological_significance": "The shamar word group highlights both God’s preserving care and human responsibility to obey, protect, and remain watchful. It reinforces themes of covenant fidelity, moral vigilance, and faithful stewardship.",
  "philosophical_explanation": "The term combines preservation and attentiveness: to \"keep\" is not merely to hold something but to watch over it responsibly and act in accord with its purpose.",
  "interpretive_cautions": "Do not treat \"Shomer\" as a fixed technical title in every passage. The underlying Hebrew can mean several related things, and English translations vary by context. Avoid building doctrine from the transliteration alone without considering the surrounding verse.",
  "major_views_note": "Most interpretive differences concern translation and context, not doctrine. In some passages the emphasis is on guarding or protecting; in others it is on keeping commandments or observing instructions.",
  "doctrinal_boundaries": "This entry should be read as a lexical study of a Hebrew word group, not as a distinct doctrinal category. It should not be used to force a single meaning onto all occurrences or to override the normal context of each passage.",
  "practical_significance": "The term calls readers to faithful obedience, spiritual vigilance, and careful stewardship. It also reminds believers that God is the One who preserves and guards his people.",
  "meta_description": "Shomer is a Hebrew lexical term meaning keep, guard, watch, or observe, depending on context.",
  "public_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/shomer/",
  "json_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/data/dictionary/shomer.json",
  "final_disposition": "PUBLISH_CANONICAL"
}