properly, passive participle of זָכַר, but used for זָכָר; a male (of man or animals); males, men-children.
Transliteration:zâkûwr
Pronunciation:zaw-koor'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term זָכוּר (zâkûwr), Strong's `{{H2138}}`, is properly understood as a passive participle of the verb זָכַר (zâkar, `{{H2142}}`), meaning "to remember," "to mark," or "to be remembered/marked." However, its usage in the Hebrew Bible transcends a simple participial function; it serves as a substantive noun, often used interchangeably with or as a specific emphasis of זָכָר (zâkâr, `{{H2145}}`), the more common word for "male."
Semantically, זָכוּר denotes a "male" being, applicable to both human males and male animals, though its primary biblical application is to human males. The nuance, if any, between זָכוּר and זָכָר often lies in the former's participial origin, potentially implying "one who is marked" or "one who is remembered" for a specific purpose or identity, particularly in cultic or covenantal contexts. Its semantic range thus encompasses "a male," "males" collectively, or "men-children."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term זָכוּר appears predominantly in contexts related to Israel's covenantal obligations, particularly those pertaining to worship and census. Its occurrences highlight the distinct role and responsibilities of males within the Israelite community:
* **Covenantal Appearance before the Lord:** A prominent use of זָכוּר is found in the commands for all Israelite males to appear before the Lord at the three annual pilgrim festivals. For instance, [[Exodus 23:17]] states, "Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord GOD." This is reiterated in [[Exodus 34:23]] and [[Deuteronomy 16:16]]. This recurring command underscores the male's representative role and direct accountability in the nation's worship life.
* **Census and Military Contexts:** In passages detailing censuses, זָכוּר is used to specify the counting of males, often for military service or tribal organization. [[Numbers 1:2]] instructs Moses and Aaron to "take a census of all the congregation of the sons of Israel, by their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, every male head by head." Similarly, [[Numbers 3:43]] refers to the "firstborn males" counted among the Israelites.
* **Ritual and Purity:** While less frequent, זָכוּר can appear in contexts related to ritual purity or sacrifice. For example, in the context of purification after childbirth, [[Leviticus 12:7]] distinguishes between a male and a female child, though the specific term here is `{{H2145}}`. However, the broader definition of `{{H2138}}` includes its application to animals, suggesting its use in sacrificial contexts where the gender of the offering might be specified.
* **Circumcision and Identity:** In [[Genesis 34:15]] and [[Genesis 34:22]], the term is used in the context of circumcision, where the Hivites propose that "every male among us be circumcised" as a condition for intermarriage. This highlights the male as the bearer of the covenant sign and the one through whom lineage and identity are primarily traced.
Across these contexts, זָכוּר consistently emphasizes the male as a distinct entity with specific roles, responsibilities, and a unique identity within the covenant community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of זָכוּר is enriched by examining its relationship to other significant Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **זָכָר (zâkâr, `{{H2145}}`):** This is the most direct parallel and often synonymous term for "male." While זָכָר is the more common and general term, זָכוּר, with its participial root from זָכַר (to remember/mark), might subtly emphasize the male as "the one marked out" or "the one remembered" for a particular role, especially in sacred contexts.
* **זָכַר (zâkar, `{{H2142}}`):** The verbal root from which זָכוּר is derived. The connection to "remembering" or "marking" could imply that the male is marked by God or is to remember God's covenant in a particular way, given his responsibilities.
* **נְקֵבָה (nəqēḇâ, `{{H5347}}`):** The direct antonym, meaning "female." The consistent pairing of "male and female" in biblical texts (e.g., creation narratives, purity laws) underscores the complementary and distinct roles ordained by God.
* **בְּכוֹר (bəḵôr, `{{H1060}}`):** "Firstborn." The concept of the firstborn is inextricably linked with males, as the firstborn son held particular significance in terms of inheritance, lineage, and dedication to God.
* **Priesthood and Headship:** While not explicitly a term for priest, the consistent command for males to appear before the Lord points to their role in the public worship and spiritual leadership of the family and nation, reflecting a broader concept of male headship within Israelite society.
* **Covenant (בְּרִית, bərît, `{{H1285}}`):** The obligations associated with זָכוּר are deeply embedded in the Mosaic covenant, highlighting the male's specific responsibilities in maintaining the covenant relationship with God.
### Theological Significance
The term זָכוּר carries profound theological significance, particularly in defining the male's identity and role within God's covenant with Israel:
* **Covenantal Accountability and Representation:** The repeated command for "all your males" to appear before the Lord at the annual festivals underscores a unique covenantal accountability. Males were not merely individuals but representatives of their households and, collectively, of the nation before God. This highlights their role as active participants in the covenant relationship, bearing the responsibility for public worship and adherence to divine law.
* **Preservation of Lineage and Identity:** In a patriarchal society, the male was crucial for the continuation of family lines, tribal identity, and the fulfillment of God's promises related to offspring and inheritance. The focus on "males" in censuses and genealogical records reflects this theological emphasis on continuity and the preservation of the covenant people.
* **Divine Ordering and Distinction:** The consistent use of "male" (whether זָכוּר or זָכָר) alongside "female" throughout scripture (from creation to cultic law) affirms God's intentional design of humanity as distinct yet complementary genders. The specific duties assigned to the male, as highlighted by זָכוּר, are part of this divine ordering, reflecting a sacred purpose and specific responsibilities within the community of faith.
* **Holiness and Dedication:** The presence of זָכוּר in contexts of firstborn dedication and cultic purity signifies the male's particular role in maintaining the holiness of the community and participating in sacred rites. The male was often the one through whom sacred obligations were fulfilled and blessings received.
### Summary
The Hebrew term זָכוּר (zâkûwr, `{{H2138}}`), though a passive participle of "to remember" or "to mark," functions as a substantive noun meaning "male." While often synonymous with זָכָר (`{{H2145}}`), its participial root may subtly emphasize the male as "one who is marked out" or "remembered" for a specific divine purpose. Its biblical occurrences primarily highlight the male's unique and indispensable role in Israel's covenant life, particularly in mandatory appearances before the Lord at pilgrim festivals, in censuses for military and tribal organization, and in contexts related to lineage and covenant identity (e.g., circumcision). Theologically, זָכוּר underscores the male's covenantal accountability, his role in the preservation of lineage, God's intentional design of gender roles, and his participation in the holiness and dedication required of the covenant community.
TRV