### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **zak**, represented by `{{H2134}}`, means **clear, clean, or pure**. Derived from the word זָכַךְ, it appears **11 times** in **11 unique verses**. This term is used to describe both physical, unadulterated items for religious ceremony and the moral or spiritual state of a person's character and actions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2134}}` is used in two primary contexts. It denotes a standard of ceremonial purity for items used in worship. For instance, the children of Israel were commanded to bring **pure** olive oil for the lamp in the tabernacle ([[Exodus 27:20]], [[Leviticus 24:2]]) and to place **pure** frankincense on the bread for a memorial offering to the Lord [[Leviticus 24:7]]. It also describes moral and spiritual cleanness, particularly in wisdom literature. Job's friend suggests that if Job were **pure** and upright, God would restore him [[Job 8:6]], while Job later defends himself by stating his prayer is **pure** [[Job 16:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the concept of purity and righteousness:
* `{{H1249}}` **bar**: This word, meaning **clean, clear, pure**, is used in parallel with `{{H2134}}`. In his defense, Job states his doctrine is **pure** `{{H2134}}` and he is **clean** `{{H1249}}` in God's eyes [[Job 11:4]].
* `{{H3477}}` **yâshâr**: Meaning **right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness)**, this term is frequently paired with `{{H2134}}` to connect internal purity with external conduct. The work of the **pure** is described as **right** [[Proverbs 21:8]], and purity is set alongside being **upright** as a condition for divine favor [[Job 8:6]].
* `{{H2643}}` **chaph**: Defined as **pure; innocent**, this term appears alongside `{{H2134}}` in Job's declaration of his integrity: "I am **clean** `{{H2134}}` without transgression, I am **innocent** `{{H2643}}`" [[Job 33:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2134}}` is significant, highlighting a divine standard for both worship and life.
* **Ceremonial Holiness:** The requirement for **pure** oil and frankincense establishes that what is offered to God must be unmixed and without defect, reflecting His own holiness [[Exodus 30:34]].
* **Moral Integrity:** The term extends beyond physical objects to human character. It is linked to right works [[Proverbs 21:8]], uprightness [[Job 8:6]], and even the nature of one's prayer [[Job 16:17]], indicating that inner purity is demonstrated through righteous action.
* **Divine Scrutiny:** A key theological point is made in the contrast between human perception and God's judgment. While a man's ways may seem **clean** `{{H2134}}` to himself, the Lord is the one who "weigheth the spirits" [[Proverbs 16:2]], assessing the true state of the heart.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2134}}` is a crucial term that defines a standard of unadulterated quality. It moves from the tangible, like the **pure** oil for the lamp, to the intangible, such as a **pure** prayer or a person's work being **pure** and right. It communicates that whether in ceremonial worship or personal conduct, a state of cleanness and integrity is the expectation, a state that is ultimately evaluated not by human standards but by God himself.
TRV