### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word zûwreh (זוּרֶה), transliterated as zûwreh and identified by Strong's `{{H2116}}`, derives from the root זוּר (zuwr). While the primary sense of this root often pertains to "being strange," "turning aside," or "departing," in the context of `{{H2116}}`, it conveys a specific nuance related to being "pressed," "crushed," or "trodden upon." As a passive participle, zûwreh denotes "that which is crushed" or "that which has been trodden." Its semantic range is notably narrow, focusing on the state of being pulverized or reduced to a finer consistency, typically through a process of forceful grinding or treading.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word zûwreh (זוּרֶה) `{{H2116}}` appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, which significantly limits a broad contextual analysis. Its sole occurrence is found in [[2 Samuel 17:19]]: "And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread *ground grain* upon it; and no one knew it."
In this verse, the phrase in question is "וְהַזּוּרֶה" (ve-ha-zûwreh), which is coupled with "הָרִיפוֹת" (ha-rifot), meaning "parched grain" or "crushed grain" `{{H7374}}`. The combination strongly suggests that zûwreh refers to a form of ground or crushed meal, likely grain, spread over the well. The context describes a quick-witted woman's attempt to hide Jonathan and Ahimaaz, messengers of David, from Absalom's pursuers. By covering the well and spreading this "ground grain" or "meal" on top, she created the appearance of a mundane household chore (drying grain), thereby diverting suspicion from the hiding place. The singular usage confirms zûwreh as a descriptive term for a substance that has undergone a process of pulverization or grinding.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root זוּר (zuwr):** The root זוּר `{{H2114}}` itself is fascinating due to its dual semantic fields. While `{{H2116}}` draws from the less common sense of "to press" or "to crush," the more prevalent meaning of זוּר is "to be strange," "to turn aside," or "to be an alien." This illustrates the rich polysemy inherent in Hebrew roots, where different derivations or grammatical forms can unlock distinct meanings.
* **Words for Crushing/Grinding:**
* דָּקַק (daqak) `{{H1854}}`: "to crush," "to make fine," "to pulverize." This often implies reducing something to dust or powder.
* כָּתַת (katat) `{{H3807}}`: "to beat down," "to crush," "to pound." This term typically refers to breaking something into smaller pieces.
* טָחַן (tachan) `{{H2912}}`: "to grind," specifically used for grinding grain, often with a millstone.
* **Words for Grain/Meal:**
* דָּגָן (dagan) `{{H1715}}`: A general term for "grain" or "corn."
* קֶמַח (qemach) `{{H7058}}`: "Flour" or "meal," a more refined product of grinding.
* רִיפָה (riphah) `{{H7374}}`: "Parched grain" or "crushed grain," the very word used in conjunction with zûwreh in [[2 Samuel 17:19]], suggesting zûwreh might refer to an even finer state of ground material.
### Theological Significance
Due to its solitary and highly specific occurrence in [[2 Samuel 17:19]], zûwreh (זוּרֶה) `{{H2116}}` does not bear direct or overt theological significance within the broader biblical narrative. Its function is purely descriptive, identifying a common, mundane household item—ground grain or meal—used in a moment of crisis.
Nevertheless, one might discern a subtle, indirect theological reflection from its context:
* **Divine Providence in Mundane Details:** The use of such an ordinary and seemingly insignificant item like "ground grain" to hide fugitives highlights how divine providence can operate through the simplest and most common means. The woman's quick thinking, employing readily available materials, was instrumental in protecting David's messengers. This serves as a quiet testament to God's ability to orchestrate events and use any circumstance or object, however humble, to achieve His sovereign purposes.
* **The Humility of Means:** The "crushed" nature of the grain, transformed from whole kernels into useful meal, could metaphorically represent the humble or even "broken" means God often employs. Just as the grain is crushed to become sustenance, so too are ordinary things (and people) often utilized in unassuming ways for profound divine ends. The success of the concealment depended not on grand gestures but on a simple, everyday act.
### Summary
The Hebrew word zûwreh (זוּרֶה) `{{H2116}}` is a unique and singular term in the Old Testament, appearing exclusively in [[2 Samuel 17:19]]. Derived from the root זוּר, it precisely means "that which is crushed" or "trodden upon," referring to ground grain or meal. In its sole biblical context, it describes the substance ingeniously employed by a woman to conceal David's messengers in a well, thereby thwarting their capture by Absalom's forces. While zûwreh lacks direct theological weight, its usage subtly underscores the principle of divine providence working through ordinary means and the resourcefulness of individuals in God's service. The word's limited occurrence restricts extensive semantic exploration but firmly establishes its meaning as a finely crushed or ground substance, likely a form of grain or meal, crucial in a pivotal moment of concealment.
TRV