### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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