a primitive root; to flow freely (as water), i.e. (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow; flow, gush out, have a (running) issue, pine away, run.
Transliteration:zûwb
Pronunciation:zoob
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H2100}}` (זוּב, *zûwb*) is a primitive verb whose core meaning signifies the free movement or discharge of liquid. At its most fundamental level, it denotes "to flow freely," akin to water. From this primary sense, its semantic range expands into several distinct, yet related, applications.
Firstly, it describes the literal "flowing" or "gushing out" of water, as from a spring or rock. This can convey abundance and life-giving provision. Secondly, and most significantly in the biblical corpus, it refers to a "running issue" or "flux," particularly in a medical and ritual context, often involving bodily fluids such as blood or seminal discharge. This specific usage carries connotations of uncleanness and defilement within the Mosaic Law. Thirdly, the root can be used figuratively to express a state of "wasting away" or "pining away," suggesting a depletion or loss, where life or strength seems to "flow away." Lastly, it can imply an "overflow," indicating an excessive or uncontrolled flow. The versatility of `{{H2100}}` thus encompasses both natural phenomena and states of physical and ritual being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H2100}}` provide rich insight into its varied applications:
* **Ritual Impurity:** The most prominent usage of `{{H2100}}` is found in the Levitical purity laws. In [[Leviticus 15]], the term is repeatedly used to describe a "running issue" (e.g., [[Leviticus 15:2]], [[Leviticus 15:3]], [[Leviticus 15:25]]). Both male and female discharges, whether chronic or abnormal, rendered an individual ritually unclean, necessitating specific purification rites, including washing and sacrifices. This highlights the Mosaic Law's meticulous concern for ritual purity and the sanctity of life, where uncontrolled bodily emissions, especially those associated with procreation and life-blood, were seen as antithetical to the holy presence of God.
* **Natural Flow of Water:** `{{H2100}}` also describes the literal movement of water. In [[Numbers 24:7]], it speaks of water "flowing" from buckets, symbolizing prosperity. Similarly, [[Isaiah 48:21]] and [[Psalm 78:20]] recount God causing water to "gush out" from the rock for Israel in the wilderness, a powerful image of divine provision. [[Ezekiel 31:15]] uses it to depict waters "flowing" in the underworld, connecting it to the realm of death.
* **Figurative Flow of Tears/Doctrine:** The root can express intense emotion, as seen in [[Jeremiah 9:18]] and [[Lamentations 3:49]], where eyes "gush out" or "run down" with tears, signifying profound grief and sorrow. In a unique metaphorical usage, [[Deuteronomy 32:2]] states that God's doctrine will "drop as the rain" and "distil as the dew," using a form of `{{H2100}}` to describe the gentle, life-giving flow of divine instruction.
* **Curse/Judgment:** In [[2 Samuel 3:29]], a curse is pronounced upon Joab's house, including the affliction of a "running issue," linking the physical condition to divine judgment and societal disgrace.
* **Blessing/Fertility:** [[Proverbs 5:18]] uses `{{H2100}}` metaphorically for the "flowing" waters of a personal fountain, urging faithfulness in marriage and celebrating the blessing of marital intimacy and fertility.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H2100}}` intersects with several key biblical concepts and other Hebrew terms:
* **Purity and Impurity:** Central to the meaning of `{{H2100}}` in the Pentateuch is the concept of ritual impurity (טֻמְאָה, *ṭum’â*, `{{H2931}}`). Its opposite, purity (טָהוֹר, *ṭāhôr*, `{{H2893}}`), is the desired state. The "issue" (זָב, *zāv*, a noun derived from `{{H2100}}`) directly causes ritual defilement, necessitating purification rites and separation from the holy community.
* **Bodily Fluids:** The word is frequently associated with bodily fluids like blood (דָּם, *dām*, `{{H1818}}`) and semen, which were considered sacred in their life-giving potential. Their uncontrolled discharge, particularly in a chronic or abnormal state, represented a deviation from the divinely ordained order and wholeness.
* **Water:** The literal "flow" of water (מַיִם, *mayim*, `{{H4325}}`) is a fundamental association. This connects `{{H2100}}` to concepts of life, provision, cleansing, and sometimes judgment (e.g., the flood).
* **Sickness and Disease:** While not always implying disease in a modern medical sense, the "running issue" often denotes a chronic physical ailment (חֹלִי, *ḥōlî*, `{{H2483}}`). The state of uncleanness often accompanied physical infirmity, highlighting the holistic view of well-being in ancient Israel.
* **Life and Death:** The "flowing away" can imply depletion and a move towards death (as in "pining away"), while the "gushing out" of water from a rock signifies life and sustenance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2100}}` is multifaceted, deeply embedded in the Israelite understanding of God's holiness, human sin, and the need for purification.
Firstly, its pervasive use in the purity laws underscores God's absolute holiness and the meticulous standards required for His people to draw near. The "running issue" represented a disruption of normal bodily function, a state of disorder that rendered an individual ritually unfit for participation in the community's worship and interaction with the sacred. This was not a moral condemnation but a ritual state that marked separation from the holy and a need for restoration. It served as a constant reminder of the pervasive nature of impurity in a fallen world and the necessity of divine provision for cleansing.
Secondly, the contrast between the defiling "issue" and the life-giving "flow" of water (e.g., from the rock) highlights God's dual nature as both the source of order and purity, and the provider of life and sustenance. While uncontrolled bodily flows pointed to human brokenness, the controlled, divinely-provided flow of water symbolized blessing, covenant faithfulness, and the refreshing presence of God.
Thirdly, the figurative use of "wasting away" or "pining away" connects the physical state to spiritual decline or the consequences of sin and judgment. The "flow" of tears indicates profound grief, a natural human response to suffering and loss, often in the context of divine judgment or national lament.
Ultimately, `{{H2100}}` demonstrates the intricate connection between physical well-being, ritual status, and spiritual standing in ancient Israel, pointing to a God who cares about every aspect of human existence and provides the means for reconciliation and wholeness.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H2100}}` (זוּב, *zûwb*) is a versatile verb primarily meaning "to flow freely." Its semantic range extends from the literal "gushing out" of water, signifying divine provision and life, to the more specialized medical and ritual sense of a "running issue" or "flux." This latter usage, particularly prominent in Leviticus, designates a state of ritual impurity, emphasizing God's holiness and the necessary separation and purification rites for His people. Figuratively, `{{H2100}}` can denote "wasting away," expressing decline or loss, or the abundant "flow" of tears in grief. Thus, `{{H2100}}` encapsulates a spectrum of meaning from physical discharge and ritual defilement to divine blessing, human suffering, and the consequences of judgment, all within the overarching framework of God's sovereign order and His call to holiness.
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