for זֶה; this or that; as well as another, it, this, that, thus and thus.
Transliteration:zôh
Pronunciation:zo
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma זֹה (zôh), Strong's H2090, functions primarily as a demonstrative pronoun. It is often understood as a feminine singular form or a variant of `{{H2088}}` (zeh), which is the masculine singular demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "that." Its core meaning is to point to something specific, distinguishing it from others. Depending on the context, זֹה can be translated as "this," "that," "she," or "it." Beyond its pronominal function, it can also be employed adverbially to convey "thus" or "here," indicating a particular manner or location. The semantic range of זֹה is thus centered on identification, emphasis, and specification, directing attention to a particular person, object, concept, or event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of זֹה across the Hebrew Bible consistently reflects its role as a demonstrative. In [[Genesis 2:23]], Adam declares upon seeing Eve, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." Here, זֹה (translated as "this") powerfully identifies the unique and intimate relationship between man and woman, marking the culmination of creation. In the triumphant song of Moses in [[Exodus 15:2]], the people proclaim, "The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him." Here, זֹה emphasizes the personal and distinct identity of Yahweh as their deliverer.
In [[Deuteronomy 4:8]], Moses asks, "And what great nation is there that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?" The demonstrative "this" (זֹה) points directly to the comprehensive and unique body of divine law given to Israel. Similarly, in [[Judges 6:20]], the angel of the Lord instructs Gideon, "Take the meat and the unleavened cakes and put them on this rock..." specifying the precise location for the offering. In [[Isaiah 28:12]], זֹה appears twice: "to whom he said, 'This is rest; give rest to the weary; and this is repose'; yet they would not hear." Here, it points to the divine instruction or message as the true source of rest. Across these diverse contexts, זֹה consistently serves to particularize, highlight, and differentiate, drawing the listener's or reader's attention to a specific referent.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to זֹה (H2090) is its masculine counterpart, זֶה (zeh, `{{H2088}}`). These two forms often function in tandem or as gendered alternatives within the broader system of Hebrew demonstrative pronouns. Other related concepts and words that convey specificity and identification include the particles הֵן (hēn, `{{H2007}}`) and הִנֵּה (hinnēh, `{{H2009}}`), both meaning "behold" or "lo," which also serve to draw attention to something. Personal pronouns like הוּא (hû', `{{H1931}}`, "he/it") and הִיא (hî', `{{H1934}}`, "she/it") can also function demonstratively in certain contexts. The concept of specificity is paramount, as זֹה allows for the precise designation of an entity or idea, moving from the general to the particular. It undergirds the ability to make distinctions, identify unique attributes, and establish clear references within narrative and legal discourse.
### Theological Significance
While זֹה is a grammatical particle, its theological significance emerges powerfully from *what* it is used to point out. When זֹה refers to God's actions or attributes, as in [[Exodus 15:2]] ("this is my God"), it underscores the specific, personal, and active nature of Yahweh's relationship with His people. It transforms an abstract concept of deity into a concrete, experienced reality. In legal and covenantal contexts, when זֹה points to God's commandments or covenant, such as in [[Deuteronomy 4:8]], it emphasizes the divine origin, authority, and unique righteousness of His law. This reinforces the idea that God's will is not vague but clearly articulated and identifiable.
Furthermore, in prophetic pronouncements, when זֹה highlights a specific divine message or path, it grounds the spiritual truth in immediate, tangible reality, as seen in [[Isaiah 28:12]]. In the creation narrative of [[Genesis 2:23]], Adam's declaration using זֹה ("this at last") signifies the divine and purposeful culmination of creation in the formation of woman, establishing the foundational relationship of humanity. Thus, זֹה, though small, plays a crucial role in highlighting the concrete, specific, and often immediate manifestation of God's presence, power, and purpose in the biblical narrative, making the divine accessible and definable within human experience.
### Summary
The Hebrew word זֹה (zôh, H2090) is a demonstrative pronoun, often serving as the feminine singular form or a variant of `{{H2088}}` (zeh). Its fundamental meaning is "this" or "that," used to point out, specify, and distinguish a particular person, object, concept, or event. Across the biblical text, זֹה consistently functions to draw attention to specific referents, whether identifying the unique bond between man and woman ([[Genesis 2:23]]), proclaiming the distinct identity of God ([[Exodus 15:2]]), or emphasizing the singular nature of divine law ([[Deuteronomy 4:8]]). While grammatically simple, its theological significance is profound, as it grounds abstract spiritual truths in concrete reality, highlighting the specificity, immediacy, and personal nature of God's revelation, actions, and relationship with humanity.
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