from an unused root meaning to be yellow; a wolf; wolf.
Transliteration:zᵉʼêb
Pronunciation:zeh-abe'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma זְאֵב (zᵉʼêb), Strong's number `{{H2061}}`, refers primarily to the "wolf" (*Canis lupus*). Its etymology is traced to an unused root meaning "to be yellow," possibly alluding to the animal's fur color or the gleam of its eyes, though this etymological note does not significantly expand its semantic range beyond the animal itself. In biblical usage, the term consistently denotes this specific predatory canid. The semantic range is therefore quite narrow in terms of literal meaning but rich in metaphorical application. The inherent characteristics associated with the wolf—ferocity, cunning, predatory instinct, and ravenous hunger—are central to its biblical portrayal. It is depicted as a creature of the wild, a danger to flocks, and a symbol of destructive power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word זְאֵב (zᵉʼêb) appears seven times in the Old Testament, predominantly in prophetic literature, serving as a powerful metaphor:
* **[[Genesis 49:27]]**: In Jacob's blessing upon his sons, Benjamin is likened to "a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey, and in the evening he divides the spoil." This vivid imagery highlights the tribe of Benjamin's future military prowess, ferocity in battle, and perhaps a reputation for swift, decisive action, even ruthlessness, in acquiring and distributing spoils.
* **[[Isaiah 11:6]]**: This pivotal messianic prophecy declares, "The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard lie down with the young goat." Here, the wolf, a natural predator of the lamb, is depicted in an unnatural state of harmony. This serves as a profound symbol of the radical peace, justice, and restoration that will characterize the coming kingdom of the Messiah, where even the most destructive elements of the natural world are transformed.
* **[[Isaiah 65:25]]**: Echoing the theme of [[Isaiah 11:6]], this verse describes the new heavens and new earth: "The wolf and the lamb shall feed together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, says the LORD." This reiterates the complete reversal of the curse and the establishment of universal shalom in God's redeemed creation.
* **[[Jeremiah 5:6]]**: As a warning of divine judgment against Judah's wickedness, the prophet states, "Therefore a lion from the forest shall strike them down; a wolf from the deserts shall devastate them; a leopard is watching over their cities; everyone who goes out of them shall be torn in pieces." Here, the "wolf from the deserts" symbolizes a relentless, destructive force, likely representing invading armies or the instruments of God's wrath, preying upon the unfaithful.
* **[[Ezekiel 22:27]]**: Condemning the corruption of Jerusalem's leaders, Ezekiel proclaims, "Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, shedding blood, destroying lives to get dishonest gain." This powerful metaphor exposes the predatory nature of the rulers who exploit, oppress, and unjustly enrich themselves at the expense of the people, behaving like savage beasts rather than righteous shepherds.
* **[[Habakkuk 1:8]]**: Describing the swift and terrifying advance of the Chaldean army, the prophet notes, "Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than evening wolves." The comparison to "evening wolves" emphasizes their extreme ferocity and hunger, perhaps suggesting a heightened predatory drive after a day's hunt, or a particularly stealthy and dangerous approach under the cover of darkness.
* **[[Zephaniah 3:3]]**: Similar to Ezekiel, Zephaniah denounces the corrupt leaders of Jerusalem: "Her officials within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves that leave no bone till the morning." This depicts judges who are not only predatory but utterly rapacious, consuming everything and leaving nothing behind, indicative of extreme injustice and greed.
Across these occurrences, the wolf consistently embodies characteristics of ferocity, predation, destruction, and insatiable hunger, often serving as a metaphor for wicked rulers, oppressive forces, or divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of the wolf in the Hebrew Bible is closely related to other predatory animals and contrasting imagery:
* **Other Predators**: The wolf is often mentioned alongside other dangerous animals like the lion (אֲרִי, `{{H738}}`), leopard (נָמֵר, `{{H5246}}`), and bear (דֹּב, `{{H1677}}`). These animals collectively symbolize destructive power, divine judgment, and the wicked or oppressive nature of human leaders and nations.
* **Sheep and Shepherd**: The wolf's primary prey is the sheep (שֶׂה, `{{H7716}}` or צֹאן, `{{H6629}}`). This inherent dynamic establishes the wolf as the antithesis of the shepherd (רֹעֶה, `{{H7462}}`), who protects the flock. While the explicit "wolf in sheep's clothing" metaphor is New Testament (Matthew 7:15, `{{G3074}}`), the underlying tension between the destructive predator and the vulnerable flock, and by extension, the unrighteous leader and the helpless people, is deeply rooted in the Old Testament.
* **Metaphorical Oppression**: The use of זְאֵב (zᵉʼêb) to describe corrupt rulers (Ezekiel, Zephaniah) aligns with broader biblical themes of injustice and exploitation. Such leaders are seen as preying upon their own people, much like a wolf preys on a flock.
* **Eschatological Peace**: The transformation of the wolf's nature in Isaiah's prophecies is a powerful counterpoint to its usual depiction. This concept relates to the broader biblical hope for a restored creation (e.g., "new heavens and new earth") where primeval harmony is re-established, and the curse of sin is fully reversed.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of זְאֵב (zᵉʼêb) is multifaceted:
1. **Symbol of Destructive Evil**: Primarily, the wolf serves as a potent symbol of destructive forces, whether human, national, or as instruments of divine judgment. It embodies rapaciousness, violence, and a lack of compassion, representing the antithesis of God's order and justice. When applied to human leaders, it highlights the severe moral corruption that leads to exploitation and oppression of the vulnerable.
2. **Divine Judgment**: In passages like Jeremiah 5:6, the wolf is an agent of God's judgment, demonstrating His sovereign power to use even wild and destructive elements to bring about His purposes against a rebellious people.
3. **Human Depravity**: The prophetic condemnations (Ezekiel 22:27, Zephaniah 3:3) use the wolf to graphically illustrate the depths of human depravity, particularly among those in positions of power. It underscores the biblical critique of unrighteous leadership that devours rather than serves, contrasting sharply with God's own character as a Shepherd.
4. **Eschatological Transformation and Hope**: Most profoundly, the wolf's presence in Isaiah's vision of the Messianic age (Isaiah 11:6, 65:25) carries immense theological weight. Its dwelling with the lamb signifies the radical transformation of creation under God's rule. This imagery points to a future where enmity is abolished, harmony prevails, and the very nature of creation is redeemed from the effects of sin. It is a powerful testament to God's ultimate plan for shalom, a peace so profound that even natural predators lose their destructive instincts. This offers profound hope for the complete restoration of all things.
### Summary
The Hebrew word זְאֵב (zᵉʼêb), meaning "wolf," consistently portrays this animal as a fierce, ravenous, and destructive predator in the Old Testament. Its primary metaphorical applications highlight its predatory nature, serving as a powerful symbol for: (1) the aggressive and sometimes ruthless character of a tribe (Benjamin in [[Genesis 49:27]]); (2) the destructive forces of divine judgment or invading armies ([[Jeremiah 5:6]], [[Habakkuk 1:8]]); and (3) the rapacious and unjust behavior of corrupt leaders who exploit their people ([[Ezekiel 22:27]], [[Zephaniah 3:3]]). However, its most profound theological significance lies in the eschatological prophecies of Isaiah ([[Isaiah 11:6]], [[Isaiah 65:25]]), where the wolf's transformed nature—dwelling peacefully with the lamb—becomes a central emblem of the radical peace, harmony, and complete restoration that will characterize God's future kingdom, a testament to the ultimate triumph of divine order over chaos and enmity.
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