Original Word: שִׁמֻּר
Part of Speech: noun masculine
Transliteration: shimmur
Pronunciation: shim-moor
Phonetic Spelling: (shim-moor')
KJV: X be (much) observed
NASB: observed
Word Origin: [from H8104 (שָׁמַר - keep)]

1. an observance

be much observed

From shamar; an observance -- X be (much) observed.

see HEBREW shamar

Word Origin
from shamar
Definition
a watching, vigil
NASB Translation
observed (2).

[שִׁמֻּר] noun [masculine] watching, vigil (so Di; > observance); — plural ׳לֵיל שִׁמֻּרִים לי Exodus 12:42 a night of vigils to ׳י, ׳לְכָלבְּֿנֵי יִשׁ ׳שׁ Exodus 12:42.

Etymological and Conceptual Overview

שִׁמֻּר (shimur) denotes an intentional, active vigil. Built on the root שָׁמַר (“to keep, guard, watch”), it conveys both divine watchfulness and human obligation to keep watch in response.

Canonical Occurrences

The term appears twice, both in Exodus 12:42. Each instance frames the same historic night from two complementary perspectives:

1. “Because the LORD kept vigil that night to bring them out of the land of Egypt…” (Exodus 12:42a)
2. “...on this night all the Israelites are to keep vigil to the LORD for generations to come.” (Exodus 12:42b)

Narrative Setting: The First Passover

Shimur belongs to the climactic moment in the Exodus account. As Egypt experiences the death of the firstborn, Israel is sheltered under the blood of the lamb. The night is set apart as both a rescue achieved by God and a commemoration commanded for Israel. Shimur therefore acts as a hinge between salvation history and covenant remembrance.

Divine Vigilance

The text first ascribes shimur to the LORD Himself. He “kept vigil,” demonstrating:
• Covenant fidelity—He remembered His promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:13–14).
• Sovereign protection—No plague touched those under the blood (Exodus 12:13).
• Perfect timing—Centuries-old prophecy was fulfilled “on that very day” (Exodus 12:41).

Human Vigilance

The second use shifts responsibility to Israel. Every generation is summoned to a perpetual night-watch:
• Remembrance—retelling the deliverance narrative (Exodus 13:8).
• Readiness—eating in haste, staff in hand (Exodus 12:11) symbolises pilgrim posture.
• Reverence—“to the LORD,” emphasising worship rather than mere historical nostalgia.

Liturgical Heritage: Leil Shimurim

Jewish tradition regards Passover night as supernaturally guarded: doors remain open, prayers of protection are recited, and families remain awake recounting the Exodus. This practice keeps alive the dual aspect of shimur—God’s safeguarding and the people’s watchfulness.

Christological Fulfillment

Paul declares, “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). At the Last Supper—likely observed on the very night commemorating shimur—Jesus instituted the New Covenant (Luke 22:20). Gethsemane’s call, “Keep watch with Me” (Matthew 26:38), echoes shimur, revealing the disciples’ failure to maintain the vigil that He alone perfectly kept through His obedient sacrifice.

Theological Themes

1. Salvation is God-initiated; human response is commemorative and obedient.
2. Vigilance is both a moment (Passover night) and a lifestyle (ongoing sanctification).
3. Memorial observance unites the community across generations in shared identity and hope.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Communion Services: underscore the continuity from Passover shimur to the Lord’s Table, calling believers to watchful self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:28).
• Prayer Vigils: model corporate watchfulness, especially in seasons recalling redemption (e.g., Maundy Thursday).
• Family Discipleship: encourage household retelling of salvation history, fostering intergenerational faithfulness.

Intertextual Resonances

The root שָׁמַר recurs throughout Scripture:
• Genesis 2:15—Adam tasked to “keep” the garden.
• Numbers 9:19—Israel “kept” charge of the LORD at Sinai.
• 1 Peter 1:5—believers are “guarded” by God’s power.

These passages frame shimur as a thread joining creation stewardship, covenant obedience, and eschatological security.

Summary

Strong’s Hebrew 8107 marks the Passover night as a dual vigil—God’s watch over His people and their perpetual watch in return. It encapsulates deliverance accomplished, worship commanded, and vigilance expected, finding ultimate fulfillment in Christ and ongoing expression in the worship and witness of the church.

שִׁמֻּרִ֛ים שִׁמֻּרִ֥ים שמרים shimmuRim šim·mu·rîm šimmurîmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts