Aw-yar'
A bit of a word study to start us on the formation of our urban theology:
The Hebrew word for "city" (aw-yar'/5892)literally means "a place guarded by walking." The word is
derived from the primitive Hebrew root meaning, "open the eyes, raise up, wake up (oor/5782). The
root in turn is also related to "naked" (5783) in the sense of "to be made naked," that is, "to be
made bare," "or to make bare."
When it comes to the development of an urban theology and the
role of the local community of faith, the implication is obvious. For one thing, we Christians (as the
scriptures repeatedly note)have a responsibility to the city, and secondly, that responsibility
requires us to open our eyes to, and become involved in, the over all welfare of the city, not just to
the business of "saving souls."
Over time I will be developing this theme as I share with you my
thoughts on the development of urban theology that is both biblical and practical.
[Reference numbers refer to related entries in Strong's Analytical Concordance.]
©Frank A. Mills, 2009