from זוּל; probably scattering, i.e. removal; used adverbially, except; beside, but, only, save.
Transliteration:zûwlâh
Pronunciation:zoo-law'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term זוּלָה (zûwlâh, `{{H2108}}`) is derived from the verbal root זוּל (zûl), which carries the primary sense of "to pour out," "to scatter," or "to be light/contemptible." From this root, זוּלָה (zûwlâh) develops a semantic range that denotes exclusion, separation, or exception. As an adverbial particle or preposition, its core meaning revolves around the idea of "removal" or "apart from." Consequently, its primary translations include "except," "beside," "but," "only," and "save." It functions to set boundaries, emphasize uniqueness, or specify an exception to a general statement, often highlighting an exclusive truth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of זוּלָה (zûwlâh, `{{H2108}}`) in the Hebrew Bible are relatively few but profoundly significant, especially within theological declarations. Its most prominent usage is in affirming the singular identity of Yahweh.
In Deuteronomy, the term underscores the unparalleled nature of God:
* In [[Deuteronomy 4:35]], Moses declares, "Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him." Here, זוּלָתִי (zûwlātî), the form of זוּלָה (zûwlâh) with a first-person singular pronominal suffix, emphatically asserts God's absolute uniqueness, allowing for no other deity.
* Similarly, [[Deuteronomy 4:39]] reiterates this truth: "Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else." The phrase אֵין עוֹד זוּלָתִי (ʾên ʿôd zûlātî) reinforces the idea of God's incomparable existence and sovereignty over all creation.
The prophetic book of Isaiah also employs זוּלָה (zûwlâh) to articulate God's exclusive claim to deity:
* [[Isaiah 45:6]] states, "That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else." This global declaration of Yahweh's singularity is central to Isaiah's message.
* [[Isaiah 45:14]] further solidifies this: "Surely God is in thee; and there is none else, no God." The phrase אֵין עוֹד אֱלֹהִים זוּלָתִי (ʾên ʿôd ʾĕlōhîm zûlātî) leaves no room for polytheism, asserting Yahweh as the sole divine being.
* The climax of this theme is found in [[Isaiah 45:21]], where God challenges other gods: "Have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me." The repeated אֵין זוּלָתִי (ʾên zûlātî) serves as a powerful theological cornerstone.
Beyond these declarations of divine uniqueness, זוּלָה (zûwlâh) can also denote a simple exception:
* [[1 Kings 3:4]] states, "And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar." The phrase זוּלָתָהּ (zûlātāh) here, "except for it" or "besides it," likely implies that Gibeon was the foremost high place, perhaps with the understanding that the Jerusalem temple, though not yet fully built, was the ultimate, unique place of worship.
Finally, in poetic parallelism, it maintains its exclusive force:
* [[Psalm 18:31]] (and its parallel in [[2 Samuel 22:32]]) asks rhetorically, "For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?" The use of זוּלָתִי (zûlātî) here emphasizes God's unique role as the only true divine protector and strength.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of זוּלָה (zûwlâh, `{{H2108}}`) is closely tied to other Hebrew terms that express concepts of exclusion, uniqueness, or singularity.
* The root זוּל (zûl) itself, from which זוּלָה (zûwlâh) is derived, denotes "to pour out" or "to be light/contemptible." This suggests a conceptual link to something being "separated" or "set apart" from the norm, leading to the meaning of "except" or "besides."
* Other particles and adverbs that convey similar ideas include:
* בַּד (bad, `{{H905}}`): often translated as "alone," "apart," or "besides," signifying separation.
* בִּלְתִּי (biltiy, `{{H1115}}`): meaning "not," "except," or "without," frequently used to express negation or exclusion.
* רַק (raq, `{{H7535}}`): meaning "only," "but," or "surely," emphasizing exclusivity or limitation.
* אֵין עוֹד (ʾên ʿôd): a common idiom meaning "there is no more" or "there is no other," where אֵין (ʾên, `{{H369}}`) signifies "nothing" or "not," and עוֹד (ʿôd, `{{H5750}}`) means "yet," "still," or "again." This idiom often parallels or reinforces the meaning of זוּלָה (zûwlâh) in contexts of divine uniqueness.
The concept of *exclusivity* is paramount, especially when applied to God. This relates to the theological doctrine of *monotheism*, the belief in one God, and *divine incomparability*, asserting that God is utterly unique and without peer.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of זוּלָה (zûwlâh, `{{H2108}}`) is profound, as it serves as a linguistic cornerstone for the monotheistic claims of ancient Israel. When used in declarations concerning Yahweh, it elevates Him to an unparalleled status, fundamentally distinguishing the God of Israel from the myriad deities of surrounding cultures.
1. **Affirmation of Monotheism:** The most striking use of זוּלָה (zûwlâh) is in the explicit declarations that "there is no God else beside me" ([[Deuteronomy 4:35]], [[Isaiah 45:6]], [[Isaiah 45:14]], [[Isaiah 45:21]]). This is not merely a statement of preference but an absolute ontological claim that Yahweh alone exists as God. It forms the bedrock of Israel's faith, demanding exclusive allegiance and worship.
2. **Divine Incomparability:** The term highlights God's unique nature, power, and salvific attributes. There is no other "rock" or "saviour" beside Him ([[Psalm 18:31]], [[Isaiah 45:21]]). This emphasizes God's singular capacity to deliver, sustain, and judge, placing Him beyond comparison with any created being or false deity.
3. **Call to Exclusive Devotion:** The assertion of "no other" intrinsically calls for exclusive worship and devotion. If Yahweh is the only God, then worship directed elsewhere is futile and idolatrous. This theological truth undergirds the first commandment to have no other gods before Him.
4. **Sovereignty and Authority:** By declaring that there is "none else," זוּלָה (zûwlâh) reinforces God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and history. His will is supreme, and His plans are unchallengeable by any other power.
In essence, זוּלָה (zûwlâh) functions as a powerful theological marker, asserting the absolute singularity and supremacy of Yahweh, which is central to the biblical understanding of God.
### Summary
The Hebrew term זוּלָה (zûwlâh, `{{H2108}}`), derived from the root זוּל (zûl) meaning "to scatter" or "remove," functions as an adverbial particle or preposition meaning "except," "beside," "but," "only," or "save." Its primary and most significant biblical usage is found in emphatic declarations of Yahweh's absolute uniqueness and singularity as God. In books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah, זוּלָה (zûwlâh) is a cornerstone for affirming strict monotheism, declaring that "there is none else beside" the Lord. This term underscores God's incomparable nature, His sole claim to deity, and His supreme sovereignty, thereby demanding exclusive worship and devotion from His people.
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