The Hebrew word zôh, represented by H2090, is a demonstrative word used for pointing to this or that. It appears 13 times across 12 unique verses in the Bible. Its primary function is to specify or identify a particular subject or idea being discussed, and it can also be used adverbially to mean thus and thus or to refer to another of the same kind.
In the biblical narrative, H2090 is used in several distinct ways to provide clarity and emphasis. It frequently acts as a demonstrative pronoun, as in Ecclesiastes, where the author states, "This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God" Ecclesiastes 2:24. The word is also used adverbially to convey specific instructions, such as when the LORD commands the prophet Ahijah, "thus and thus shalt thou say unto her" 1 Kings 14:5. In another context, it is used to mean "another," as when David encourages Joab that "the sword devoureth one as well as another" 2 Samuel 11:25. It can also function as a demonstrative adjective modifying a noun, as when Elisha tells the Syrian army, "this is not the way, neither is this the city" 2 Kings 6:19.
Several related words help clarify the function and context of zôh:
- H2097 zôw (this or that; that, this): This word is a close variant and appears alongside H2090 in Psalms 132:12 to form the relative phrase "my testimony that I shall teach them."
- H559 ʼâmar (to say): This verb is frequently paired with the adverbial use of H2090. For instance, David instructs a messenger, "Thus shalt thou say unto Joab" 2 Samuel 11:25, linking the spoken word to the specific content pointed to by zôh.
- H7200 râʼâh (to see): In the philosophical reflections of Ecclesiastes, what is seen is often the subject identified by H2090. The author makes an observation and then points to it, stating, "This wisdom have I seen also under the sun" Ecclesiastes 9:13.
The significance of H2090 lies in its ability to direct the reader's focus to specific theological truths and moral conclusions.
- Pointing to Divine Providence: In Ecclesiastes 2:24, zôh identifies the ability to enjoy one's labor as a gift that comes directly "from the hand of God."
- Highlighting Earthly Futility: Conversely, the Preacher uses zôh to designate a "sore evil," the fact that a person labors for the wind with no lasting profit H3504 Ecclesiastes 5:16.
- Framing Divine Commands: The term is used to introduce the precise words of a divine message. The LORD gives specific instructions to Ahijah for Jeroboam's wife, framed by the phrase "thus and thus shalt thou say" 1 Kings 14:5.
- Defining Covenant Obligations: It helps specify the conditions of God's promises, as in the Lord's covenant H1285 with David's children, which is conditional on keeping the testimony H5713 that God will teach them Psalms 132:12.
In summary, H2090 is a crucial demonstrative word that functions as a linguistic pointer. While seemingly simple, it directs attention to significant statements, from the specific instructions of God to prophets to profound philosophical conclusions about the nature of life, labor, and divine providence. By highlighting "this" specific thing or "that" particular truth, zôh ensures that crucial lessons and declarations within the scriptures are clearly identified and understood.
TRV