for זֶה; this or that; that, this, [idiom] wherein, which, whom.
Transliteration:zûw
Pronunciation:zoo
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
H2098 (זוּ, *zûw*) functions primarily as a demonstrative pronoun, meaning "this" or "that." It is explicitly noted as an alternative or variant of `{{H2088}}` (זֶה, *zeh*), which carries the same core meaning. Beyond its demonstrative function, *zûw* also serves as a relative pronoun, conveying "who," "which," or "whom," thereby introducing descriptive or explanatory clauses. Its semantic range thus encompasses both pointing out specific entities and connecting ideas through relational clauses, sometimes even implying a sense of "wherein" or "whereby."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of H2098 (זוּ) is less frequent than its more common counterpart, `{{H2088}}` (זֶה), and tends to appear in specific literary contexts, particularly in poetic books (e.g., Psalms, Job), later historical narratives (e.g., Judges), and the wisdom literature (e.g., Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, Lamentations).
1. **As a Demonstrative Pronoun ("this/that"):** In some instances, *zûw* directly points to a noun or concept, similar to `{{H2088}}`. For example, in [[Psalm 78:54]], "And he brought them to his holy border, to this mountain which his right hand had acquired," the word points to "this mountain."
2. **As a Relative Pronoun ("who/which/that"):** This is a prominent function of *zûw*. It often introduces a clause that provides further information about a preceding noun. For instance, [[Psalm 74:2]] states, "Remember your congregation, which you purchased of old," where *zûw* (appearing as זוֹ) connects the congregation to God's act of purchase. In Ecclesiastes, *zûw* is frequently employed to introduce observations or lamentations, as seen in [[Ecclesiastes 5:13]]: "There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun." Here, it links the "evil" to the author's personal observation. Similarly, in [[Ecclesiastes 1:9]], it is part of the construction "what has been" (מַה־שֶּׁהָיָה), where the "שֶׁ" is often understood as a contraction of אֲשֶׁר and זוּ, functioning as "that which."
3. **In Poetic and Archaic Contexts:** Its presence in books like Judges and Job suggests a more archaic or elevated poetic style compared to the common prose. This contributes to the nuanced literary texture of these texts.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to H2098 (זוּ) is `{{H2088}}` (זֶה, *zeh*), which is its more common and foundational equivalent, both serving as demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that"). Another crucial related term is `{{H834}}` (אֲשֶׁר, *'asher*), the primary Hebrew relative pronoun meaning "who," "which," or "that." The semantic overlap between *zûw* and *'asher* is significant, as *zûw* frequently assumes the role of a relative pronoun. In some cases, *zûw* can even appear in conjunction with *'asher* or form part of contracted relative particle forms (like "שֶׁ"), further highlighting its function in connecting clauses. Conceptually, *zûw* belongs to the broader category of deictic and anaphoric elements in language, which serve to point to or refer back to entities, ensuring clarity and cohesion in communication.
### Theological Significance
As a grammatical particle, H2098 (זוּ) does not possess inherent theological meaning. Its significance is derived entirely from the theological content of the verses in which it appears. However, its function as a demonstrative and relative pronoun indirectly contributes to theological expression in several ways:
1. **Specificity of Divine Action:** When *zûw* is used to describe God's actions, it emphasizes the particularity and certainty of His deeds. For instance, in [[Psalm 78:54]], "the mountain which his right hand had acquired" underscores the specific and deliberate nature of God's covenantal fulfillment in bringing Israel to the promised land.
2. **Highlighting Human Condition and Divine Justice:** In wisdom literature like Ecclesiastes, *zûw* frequently points to "this evil" or "that vanity" ([[Ecclesiastes 5:13]], [[Ecclesiastes 6:1]]), serving to particularize Qoheleth's observations on the struggles, injustices, and fleeting nature of human existence "under the sun." This specificity can then lead to deeper theological reflection on God's ultimate justice and sovereignty over such realities.
3. **Connecting Prophetic and Historical Realities:** In contexts like Judges, its use helps to link historical events to divine purposes or human responses, providing a precise connection between the narrative's elements and its theological message.
### Summary
H2098 (זוּ, *zûw*) is a Hebrew demonstrative and relative pronoun, often functioning as a poetic or archaic variant of `{{H2088}}` (זֶה). Its core meaning is "this" or "that," extending to "who," "which," or "whom" when introducing relative clauses. While less common than its counterpart, its occurrences in poetic, wisdom, and some historical texts contribute to the literary texture and precision of the biblical narrative. Grammatically, it serves to specify, emphasize, and connect ideas within a sentence, providing cohesion and clarity. Theologically, *zûw*'s importance is indirect, deriving from the specific content it helps to articulate, whether highlighting the particularity of God's redemptive acts, emphasizing the specific nature of human experience, or underscoring the precise observations of biblical authors.
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