bear-keeper, the name given by the ancients to the brightest star in the constellation Bootes. In the Authorized Version (Job 9:9; 38:32) it is the rendering of the Hebrew word 'ash, which probably designates the constellation the Great Bear. This word ('ash) is supposed to be derived from an Arabic word meaning night-watcher, because the Great Bear always revolves about the pole, and to our nothern hemisphere never sets.

Greek, answering to the Latin-named constellation Ura Major; Hebrew 'ash, or 'aish (Job 9:9; 38:32-33). The Great Bear always revolves about the pole, and to our northern hemisphere never sets. The Chaldees and Arabs early mimed the stars, and grouped them in constellations. Their nomad life, in tending flocks and traveling often by night, tended to make them observe the stars, marking the seasons by their rise and setting, and using them as their nocturnal guide. This throws light on "Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? Or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons (the three stars in its tail)?" Nay, thou art dependent on him for guiding thee (Ge 1:14; 8:22).

Arctu'rus

The word ash or aish has always been a difficult one to translate, the versions differing much; but it is now pretty well agreed that the allusion is not to the star known as Arcturus, but to the constellation known as the Great Bear; 'his sons' are supposed to be the stars in the tail of the bear. In the northern hemisphere this constellation is seen all the year round, with its apparent ceaseless motion around the north star, which none but the mighty God can guide. Job 9:9; 38:32. It is translated 'the Bear' in the R.V.

Arctu'rus

(bear-keeper). The Hebrew words 'Ash and 'Aish, rendered "Arcturus" in the Authorized Version of

Job 9:9; 38:32

in conformity with the Vulgate of the former passages are now generally believed to be identical, and to represent the constellation Ursa Major, known commonly as the Great Bear or Charles' Wain.