### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **zâkâh**, represented by `{{H2135}}`, is a primitive root meaning to be translucent or, figuratively, to be innocent. It appears **8 times** in **8 unique verses**, where it is translated as to be or make clean, cleanse, be clear, or count pure. It points to a state of moral and spiritual clarity and innocence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H2135}}` is applied to various aspects of life, highlighting the call to purity. A young man is instructed to **cleanse** his way by heeding God’s word [[Psalms 119:9]]. In a direct appeal from God, the people are commanded to "make you **clean**" by putting away evil deeds [[Isaiah 1:16]]. The concept also extends to God's own character, as He is described as **clear** when He judges [[Psalms 51:4]]. Furthermore, it touches on ethical conduct, questioning whether God can **count** someone **pure** who uses deceitful balances in business [[Micah 6:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the scope of what it means to be clean or pure:
* `{{H2891}}` **ṭâhêr**: This root means to be pure, whether physically, Levitically, or morally. It is used in parallel with `{{H2135}}` to express the comprehensive nature of being free from sin, as in the question, "Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am **pure** from my sin?" [[Proverbs 20:9]].
* `{{H7364}}` **râchats**: Meaning to lave or wash, this term often describes a physical act that symbolizes the spiritual reality of being cleansed. It is frequently paired with `{{H2135}}`, as seen in the command to "**Wash** you, make you clean" [[Isaiah 1:16]] and the personal reflection, "Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and **washed** my hands in innocency" [[Psalms 73:13]].
* `{{H6663}}` **tsâdaq**: This word signifies being or making right in a moral or forensic sense. It is closely linked to `{{H2135}}` in passages that question humanity's ability to achieve purity, such as, "how can he be **clean** that is born of a woman?" [[Job 25:4]], which is asked in the context of being **justified** with God.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2135}}` is seen in its exploration of purity and righteousness.
* **The Divine Standard of Purity:** The word is used in rhetorical questions that emphasize the difficulty for humanity to achieve true cleanness. Verses like, "What is man, that he should be **clean**?" [[Job 15:14]] and "Who can say, I have made my heart **clean**?" [[Proverbs 20:9]] highlight a divine standard that is beyond human attainment alone.
* **Cleansing through God's Word:** The path to becoming clean is explicitly linked to divine instruction. The psalmist provides the answer for how a young man can **cleanse** his way: "by taking heed thereto according to thy word" [[Psalms 119:9]], establishing obedience to God's word `{{H1697}}` as the means to purity.
* **Purity in Judgment and Conduct:** The application of `{{H2135}}` is not limited to an individual's inner state. It is used to affirm that God is **clear** and just in His judgments [[Psalms 51:4]] and to challenge the idea that one can be considered **pure** while engaging in dishonest practices [[Micah 6:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2135}}` **zâkâh** provides a rich understanding of biblical purity. It moves beyond simple cleanliness to encompass moral innocence, clarity of conscience, and ethical living. It is used to describe the state of one's heart [[Psalms 73:13]], the conduct of one's life [[Psalms 119:9]], and the righteousness of God's own judgment [[Psalms 51:4]]. By questioning humanity's ability to be clean on its own [[Job 25:4]], the term ultimately points to a purity that is achieved through adherence to God's divine word.
TRV