a primitive root (compare זָכָה); to be transparent or clean (phys. or morally); be (make) clean, be pure(-r).
Transliteration:zâkak
Pronunciation:zaw-kak'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root זָכַךְ (H2141, *zâkak*) is a primitive root, closely related to זָכָה (H2140), both conveying notions of purity and cleanness. Its core meaning encompasses the idea "to be transparent or clean." This foundational sense extends across a semantic range that includes:
* **Physical Purity:** Refers to freedom from dirt, admixture, or any blemish, implying an unclouded or unadulterated state. This can be applied to physical objects or even celestial bodies.
* **Moral/Spiritual Purity:** A more profound application, signifying freedom from sin, guilt, or moral corruption. It denotes integrity, blamelessness, and an upright character before God.
* **Transparency/Clarity:** An inherent quality of being clear, unhindered, or without deceit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root זָכַךְ (H2141) appears in a few significant contexts, revealing its multifaceted application:
* **[[Job 17:9]]**: "The righteous will hold to their way, and those with clean hands will grow stronger." Here, *zâkak* is translated as "clean" in the phrase "clean hands" (כַּפַּיִם זָכַךְ). This is a powerful metaphor for moral integrity and blamelessness. It speaks of individuals whose conduct is pure and uncorrupted, implying an unwavering commitment to righteousness despite adversity. The verse suggests that such moral purity leads to spiritual and personal strengthening.
* **[[Job 25:5]]**: "Behold, even the moon has no brightness, and the stars are not pure in his sight." In Bildad's speech, *zâkak* is used to describe the stars as "not pure" in God's eyes. This highlights God's incomparable and absolute holiness. Even celestial bodies, which appear pristine and perfect to human perception, are deemed impure when measured against the infinite purity of the Creator. This application extends the concept of purity beyond human moral categories to a cosmic and divine standard.
* **[[Psalm 18:26]]** (paralleled in **[[2 Samuel 22:27]]**): "With the pure you show yourself pure; and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous." This verse offers a profound insight into God's character and His just dealings with humanity. The phrase "with the pure you show yourself pure" (עִם־נָבָר תִּתְבָּרָר וְעִם־עִקֵּשׁ תִּתְפַּתָּל) uses a related word for "pure" (נָבָר, *navar*, from `{{H1249}}`) in conjunction with *zâkak*. God's inherent purity is manifested in His reciprocal actions; He deals righteously and transparently with those who walk in integrity, reflecting His own unblemished nature. This is not to say God *becomes* pure, but that He *reveals* His absolute purity in His interactions with the pure.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of purity is central to biblical thought, and זָכַךְ (H2141) interacts with several other Hebrew terms:
* **זָכָה (H2140, *zâkâh*)**: As noted in the base definition, this is a closely related root, often translated as "to be clean," "pure," or "justified." It frequently appears in contexts of moral or ritual cleanness (e.g., [[Psalm 51:4]], [[Job 15:15]]). The semantic overlap between H2141 and H2140 underscores a shared emphasis on unblemished quality.
* **טָהֵר (H2891, *ṭāhēr*)**: This is a very common word for purity, particularly in the context of ritual or ceremonial cleanness, often requiring specific rites for purification (e.g., [[Leviticus 13:6]], [[Numbers 8:7]]). While *ṭāhēr* often refers to a state achieved through external means, *zâkak* tends to imply an inherent or intrinsic purity.
* **בָּרַר (H1249, *bārar*)**: Meaning "to purify," "select," or "make clear." This root is used in [[Psalm 18:26]] for "pure" (נָבָר, *navar*), highlighting the idea of being refined or chosen for purity.
* **נָקָה (H5352, *nāqāh*)**: To be clean, innocent, or acquitted, often in a legal or moral sense (e.g., [[Exodus 23:7]], [[Numbers 5:31]]).
* **צָדַק (H6663, *ṣādaq*)**: To be righteous or just. While not directly meaning "clean," righteousness inherently implies a state of moral purity and uprightness before God.
These related terms collectively paint a rich picture of purity in the Hebrew Bible, encompassing ritual, ethical, and existential dimensions, with זָכַךְ (H2141) contributing the nuance of inherent, unblemished quality.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of זָכַךְ (H2141) is profound, touching upon God's nature, human morality, and divine justice:
* **God's Transcendent Purity:** The use of *zâkak* in [[Job 25:5]] establishes God's absolute and incomparable purity. He is the ultimate standard of cleanness, so utterly pure that even the most seemingly pristine elements of creation fall short in His sight. This highlights His majestic holiness and His essential difference from all created beings.
* **The Ideal of Human Integrity:** [[Job 17:9]] portrays "clean hands" as a mark of the righteous. This emphasizes the Old Testament's value on moral integrity and blameless conduct as essential for a proper relationship with God. True purity is not merely external conformity but an internal state of character that aligns with divine standards.
* **God's Consistent Justice:** Perhaps the most striking theological insight comes from [[Psalm 18:26]]. This verse reveals God's just and consistent character: He manifests His own inherent purity in His dealings with those who are pure. This is a principle of divine reciprocity, where God's actions perfectly reflect His holy nature in response to human conduct. He is transparent and righteous in His judgments and blessings towards those who walk in integrity.
* **Purity as a Divine Expectation:** The standard set by *zâkak* implies that true purity, whether moral or spiritual, is not easily attainable by human effort alone. It points towards a divine ideal and the necessity of God's grace to achieve a state pleasing to Him, foreshadowing later biblical emphasis on purification through divine means.
### Summary
The Hebrew root זָכַךְ (H2141, *zâkak*) signifies "to be transparent or clean," encompassing both physical unblemishedness and profound moral purity. Though appearing infrequently, its occurrences are highly significant. In [[Job 17:9]], it describes the moral integrity of the righteous, whose "clean hands" symbolize blameless conduct. [[Job 25:5]] employs *zâkak* to powerfully assert God's absolute and incomparable purity, demonstrating that even the celestial bodies are not pure in His transcendent sight. Most notably, [[Psalm 18:26]] (paralleled in [[2 Samuel 22:27]]) reveals a core aspect of God's character: He manifests His own inherent purity in His dealings with those who are pure, showcasing His consistent and righteous nature. Thus, *zâkak* contributes to the biblical understanding of divine holiness, the importance of human integrity, and the just and reciprocal nature of God's interaction with His creation, emphasizing an unblemished quality that finds its ultimate and perfect expression in God Himself.
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