from זָכַר; properly, remembered, i.e. a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex); [idiom] him, male, man(child, -kind).
Transliteration:zâkâr
Pronunciation:zaw-kawr'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term זָכָר (zâkâr, `{{H2145}}`) is primarily a noun and adjective denoting "male." Its etymological root is זָכַר (zâkar, `{{H2142}}`), meaning "to remember," "to recall," or "to be conspicuous/noteworthy." This connection suggests that the male was considered the "remembered" or "noteworthy" one, perhaps in terms of lineage, covenant responsibility, or societal role in ancient Israel. The semantic range of זָכָר is quite focused: it consistently refers to the biological sex, whether of humans or animals. It serves to distinguish male from female, often in contexts of creation, procreation, covenant, and legal statutes. While it can be translated as "man-child," "male," or even idiomatically as "him," its core meaning always points to the masculine gender.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term זָכָר appears over 80 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in the Pentateuch, underscoring its foundational importance in the Law and Israel's early history.
* **Creation:** In the creation narrative, זָכָר is juxtaposed with נְקֵבָה (neqēbâ, `{{H5347}}`, "female") to describe humanity's creation in God's image: "male and female He created them" [[Genesis 1:27]], [[Genesis 5:2]]. This establishes the complementary nature of the sexes as fundamental to human existence.
* **Covenant of Circumcision:** A crucial context is the covenant of circumcision, where "every male among you" [[Genesis 17:10]], [[Genesis 17:12]] was required to be circumcised as a sign of the covenant. This highlights the male's role as the bearer of the covenant sign and, by extension, the representative of the household in this foundational ritual.
* **Firstborn Laws:** Laws regarding the firstborn often specify "every male that opens the womb" [[Exodus 13:12]], emphasizing the male's special status in terms of dedication to Yahweh and redemption.
* **Sacrificial Laws:** In regulations concerning sacrifices, the offering was frequently required to be a "male without blemish" (e.g., [[Leviticus 1:3]], [[Leviticus 4:23]]). This underscores the ideal and perfect nature of the required offering.
* **Census and Military Service:** In the wilderness narratives, censuses were often taken of "every male by their polls" [[Numbers 1:2]], typically for military service or tribal organization, indicating the male's role in defense and community structure.
* **Purity Laws:** Distinctions between male and female are critical in purity laws, such as those related to childbirth ([[Leviticus 12:7]]), where the period of impurity differed based on the sex of the child.
Across these contexts, זָכָר consistently serves to differentiate, define roles, and establish obligations within the divine-human covenant and the social fabric of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb:** The most direct relation is to its root, זָכַר (zâkar, `{{H2142}}`), "to remember," "to mention," "to call to mind." This connection imbues זָכָר with the sense of being "the remembered one" or "the one worthy of note," providing a deeper layer to its meaning beyond mere biological classification.
* **Antonym:** The primary antonym is נְקֵבָה (neqēbâ, `{{H5347}}`), "female," which appears alongside זָכָר in creation accounts and legal distinctions. The two terms together define the entirety of human (and animal) sex.
* **Broader Terms for "Man":** While זָכָר specifically denotes biological sex, it interacts with other Hebrew words for "man":
* אִישׁ (ʼîsh, `{{H376}}`): Refers to a man as an individual, a husband, or a person of distinction.
* אָדָם (ʼādām, `{{H120}}`): Denotes "mankind," "humanity," or "man" in a generic sense, often referring to the human race.
* גֶּבֶר (gever, `{{H1397}}`): Emphasizes a man's strength or virility.
While these terms can overlap in translation, זָכָר uniquely focuses on the male as a biological category, setting it apart from the female.
* **Theological Concepts:** The use of זָכָר is intrinsically linked to concepts such as primogeniture, covenant identity, lineage, headship, sacrifice, and ritual purity within Israelite theology.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of זָכָר is profound and multifaceted:
* **Imago Dei and Complementarity:** The creation of humanity as "male and female" ([[Genesis 1:27]]) in God's image is foundational. זָכָר represents one half of this divinely ordained duality, essential for reflecting the fullness of God's image and for fulfilling the command to "be fruitful and multiply." This establishes a complementary, rather than hierarchical, design at creation.
* **Covenantal Identity and Representation:** The male's role in the covenant of circumcision ([[Genesis 17]]) is highly significant. It marks the male as the primary recipient and bearer of the covenant sign, often representing the entire household before God. This underscores a corporate responsibility and identity tied to the male line.
* **Lineage and Messianic Promise:** The biblical emphasis on genealogies, which primarily trace male lines, highlights the importance of the male in preserving the covenant lineage. This is critically important for the fulfillment of the promise of the "seed" ([[Genesis 3:15]]) and the eventual coming of the Messiah through a specific male lineage (e.g., Davidic line).
* **Priesthood and Leadership:** In the Old Testament economy, the priesthood and most formal leadership roles within Israel were exclusively held by males. This reflects the specific divine appointments and societal structures of the Mosaic covenant, emphasizing the male's role in mediation and governance within the community of faith.
* **Sacrifice and Purity:** The requirement for "male without blemish" in sacrificial offerings foreshadows the perfection of the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the requirements of the Law. The distinct purity laws for males underscore the need for holiness and separation in approaching a holy God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word זָכָר (zâkâr, `{{H2145}}`) precisely designates the "male" sex, derived from a root meaning "to remember" or "to be noteworthy." Its pervasive use throughout the Pentateuch highlights its critical role in defining biological distinction, establishing covenant identity, and outlining legal and cultic obligations within ancient Israel. From the creation of humanity as "male and female" to the covenant of circumcision, sacrificial laws, and the tracing of messianic lineage, זָכָר is integral to understanding the biblical narrative. It underscores the male's distinct role in God's design for humanity, particularly in carrying forward the covenant promises, representing the household, and participating in the sacred life of the community, all of which contribute to a comprehensive theological understanding of God's redemptive plan.
TRV