a primitive root (compare זָלַל); probably to shake out, i.e. (by implication) to scatter profusely; figuratively, to treat lightly; lavish, despise.
Transliteration:zûwl
Pronunciation:zool
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H2107}}` (זוּל, *zûwl*) is a primitive root, suggesting a foundational concept. Its core meaning appears to derive from the idea of "shaking out" or "emptying," which then branches into two distinct, yet related, semantic poles. The first pole signifies an act of profusion, scattering profusely, or lavishing. This implies an unreserved expenditure or outpouring of resources, often material wealth. The second pole, derived from the same root notion of "making light" or "treating as empty/worthless," conveys the sense of treating lightly, despising, or holding in contempt. This dual nature is crucial: it can describe an extreme act of giving (lavishing) or an extreme act of devaluing (despising). The connection to `{{H2151}}` (זָלַל, *zālal*), which means "to be worthless," "to squander," or "to make light of," reinforces this semantic range, particularly the aspect of treating something with little regard or even disdain.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root `{{H2107}}` appears in the Hebrew Bible in three significant contexts, each illustrating a facet of its semantic range:
* **[[Isaiah 46:6]]**: "They lavish gold from the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship." Here, `{{H2107}}` is translated "lavish" (KJV) or "pour out" (ESV, NIV). The context is the idolatry of Babylon, where immense material wealth—gold and silver—is profusely expended on the creation of lifeless idols. This usage clearly aligns with the "scatter profusely" or "lavish" aspect of the word, highlighting the misdirection of valuable resources towards that which is vain and powerless. The act is one of extreme expenditure, but for a worthless purpose.
* **[[Ezekiel 13:19]]**: "And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear your lies?" In this verse, `{{H2107}}` is rendered "pollute" (KJV), "profane" (ESV), or "dishonor" (NIV). The context is the condemnation of false prophets who mislead God's people for personal gain, treating God's name and His truth with utter disregard. This usage exemplifies the "treat lightly" or "despise" meaning. The prophets are accused of devaluing the sacred, treating God's holiness as something cheap and negotiable, for mere "handfuls of barley and pieces of bread."
* **[[Lamentations 1:8]]**: "Jerusalem hath grievously sinned; therefore she is removed: all that honored her despise her, because they have seen her nakedness: yea, she sigheth, and turneth backward." Here, `{{H2107}}` is unequivocally translated "despise." The verse describes the abject state of Jerusalem after its destruction due to sin. Those who once honored her now hold her in contempt, having witnessed her shame and vulnerability. This powerfully illustrates the "despise" or "treat as worthless" aspect of the root, showing the consequence of sin leading to utter degradation and the loss of respect.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relative of `{{H2107}}` is `{{H2151}}` (זָלַל, *zālal*), which shares a similar consonantal root and semantic field. `{{H2151}}` means "to be worthless," "to squander," "to be vile," or "to make light of." This strong connection underscores the negative connotations often associated with `{{H2107}}` in its biblical usage, particularly the idea of devaluing or treating something as insignificant.
Conceptually, `{{H2107}}` touches upon:
* **Prodigality and Wastefulness**: Illustrated in [[Isaiah 46:6]], where resources are lavishly spent on idols, a clear act of squandering true value.
* **Contempt and Disdain**: Evident in [[Lamentations 1:8]], where Jerusalem is despised, and in [[Ezekiel 13:19]], where God's name is treated with contempt.
* **Profanation and Blasphemy**: The act of "polluting" or "profaning" God's name for personal gain, as seen in [[Ezekiel 13:19]], highlights a profound disrespect for the divine.
* **Idolatry**: The lavish expenditure on false gods in [[Isaiah 46:6]] is a vivid portrayal of misplaced worship and the ultimate contempt for the one true God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2107}}` lies primarily in its portrayal of human sinfulness and its consequences.
Firstly, the "lavish" sense in [[Isaiah 46:6]] serves as a stark warning against **misdirected worship and idolatry**. Humanity's inherent tendency to worship is powerful, capable of expending vast resources and devotion. However, when this devotion is "lavished" upon created things or false gods, it becomes an act of profound spiritual wastefulness and an insult to the Creator. It highlights the folly of investing ultimate value in that which has no power or life.
Secondly, the "despise" or "treat lightly" sense in [[Ezekiel 13:19]] and [[Lamentations 1:8]] underscores the gravity of **profaning the sacred and the devastating consequences of sin**. In Ezekiel, it reveals the heinousness of those who treat God's truth and His people with contempt for personal gain, effectively "polluting" or "devaluing" the divine for earthly trifles. This speaks to a fundamental lack of reverence and an egregious violation of God's holiness. In Lamentations, the word illustrates the **shame and contempt** that are the natural outcome of persistent sin. When a people or an individual treats God's covenant and commands lightly, they ultimately become "despised" themselves, losing their honor and standing before both God and humanity.
In essence, `{{H2107}}` teaches that God is not to be treated lightly or held in contempt. Any act of "lavishing" on idols or "despising" His commands is an affront to His sovereignty and holiness, leading to severe judgment and degradation. It calls for a profound reverence for the divine and a proper ordering of priorities, ensuring that what is truly valuable is honored, and what is worthless is rejected.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H2107}}` (זוּל, *zûwl*) encapsulates a dual semantic range: the act of "lavishing" or scattering profusely, and the act of "despising" or treating lightly. In its biblical occurrences, this word consistently illuminates human sin and its consequences. In [[Isaiah 46:6]], it describes the wasteful "lavishing" of wealth upon lifeless idols, exposing the folly and misdirection of idolatrous worship. In [[Ezekiel 13:19]], it depicts the "profaning" or "treating lightly" of God's name and truth by false prophets for material gain, highlighting a profound lack of reverence. Finally, in [[Lamentations 1:8]], it powerfully portrays how Jerusalem, due to its grievous sin, became "despised" by those who once honored her, illustrating the shame and contempt that are the bitter fruit of disobedience. Connected to `{{H2151}}` (זָלַל), `{{H2107}}` serves as a potent reminder of the dangers of devaluing the sacred, misplacing devotion, and the inevitable degradation that follows a life lived in contempt of God's holiness.
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