from זָכַר; a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing); memorial, record.
Transliteration:zikrôwn
Pronunciation:zik-rone'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun זִכְרוֹן (transliterated zikrôwn, Strong's `{{H2146}}`) derives from the root verb זָכַר (transliterated zakhar, Strong's `{{H2142}}`), meaning "to remember," "to recall," or "to mention." As a noun, zikrôwn encapsulates the concept of something that *causes* remembrance or *serves as* a reminder. Its semantic range includes:
* **Memento/Memorial:** An object, event, or practice designed to perpetuate the memory of a person, event, or divine act. This can be a physical monument (e.g., stones), a commemorative festival (e.g., Passover), or a ritualistic act (e.g., blowing trumpets).
* **Record/Document:** A written account, decree, or chronicle intended to preserve information, decisions, or historical events for future reference.
* **Remembrance/Mention:** The act or state of being remembered, often in a sacred or official context, implying recognition or active recall.
Thus, zikrôwn is not merely passive memory but an active instrument or embodiment of remembrance, designed to ensure that significant matters are not forgotten, either by God or by humanity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term zikrôwn appears approximately 24 times in the Old Testament, often in contexts emphasizing the perpetuation of memory for theological or historical purposes.
* In **Exodus 12:14**, the Passover is designated as a "memorial" (זִכְרוֹן) for all generations, underscoring its perpetual observance as a reminder of God's redemptive act. Similarly, the blowing of trumpets in **Leviticus 23:24** marks the "memorial blowing of trump trumpets" (זִכְרוֹן תְּרוּעָה), a sacred day of remembrance. **Numbers 10:10** further clarifies that trumpets are to be blown as a "memorial" (זִכְרוֹן) before God, signifying a call to divine attention or a reminder of the covenant.
* A "memorial" can also be a written record. In **Exodus 17:14**, God commands Moses to write a "memorial" (זִכְרוֹן) in a book concerning Amalek, indicating a permanent, documented decree. The "book of records" (סֵפֶר הַזִּכְרֹנוֹת) in **Esther 6:1** refers to the official chronicles of the Persian kings, serving as a historical archive.
* Physical monuments also serve as zikrôwn. The twelve stones taken from the Jordan River in **Joshua 4:7** are explicitly stated to be a "memorial" (זִכְרוֹן) to the people of Israel, testifying to God's miraculous intervention.
* The concept extends to one's standing or legacy. In **Nehemiah 2:20**, Nehemiah declares that the adversaries have "no portion or right or memorial" (זִכְרוֹן) in Jerusalem, implying they have no legitimate claim or remembered connection to the city.
* Perhaps most profoundly, **Malachi 3:16** speaks of a "book of remembrance" (סֵפֶר זִכְרוֹן) written before the Lord for those who fear Him and esteem His name. This portrays God Himself as keeping a divine record, ensuring that the faithfulness of His people is not forgotten by Him.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of zikrôwn is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **זָכַר (zakhar - `{{H2142}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to remember," "to recall," or "to mention." This verb is central to understanding zikrôwn, as the noun describes the *means* or *object* of this remembering.
* **זֵכֶר (zekher - `{{H2143}}`):** Another noun derived from the same root, often translated as "remembrance," "memory," or "name." While closely related, zekher often refers more to the *act* of remembering or the *reputation/legacy* itself, whereas zikrôwn tends to denote the *instrument* or *object* that prompts remembrance.
* **זִכָּרוֹן (zikkaron - `{{H2144}}`):** This noun is very similar to zikrôwn and sometimes appears to be used interchangeably, though some scholars suggest subtle dialectal or contextual nuances may exist. Both refer to a "memorial" or "remembrance."
* **Covenant:** Many zikrôwn instances are deeply embedded in covenant theology. Memorials serve to remind Israel of God's covenant promises and their covenant obligations (e.g., Passover, the Law).
* **Commemoration:** The act of observing an event to keep its memory alive, often through rituals or festivals.
* **Testimony/Witness:** Memorials often function as a witness to God's mighty acts or to human commitments, ensuring that future generations understand their heritage and responsibilities.
* **Divine Remembrance:** The concept that God "remembers" (not in the sense of recalling something forgotten, but of actively intervening in accordance with His promises) is a crucial theological backdrop for zikrôwn. Memorials on earth often serve as a plea or reminder *to* God, or as a reflection of His own remembrance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of zikrôwn is profound, touching upon God's character, human responsibility, and the nature of salvation history:
* **Perpetuation of God's Mighty Acts:** Zikrôwn ensures that God's powerful acts of deliverance and faithfulness (e.g., the Exodus, the crossing of the Jordan) are not forgotten. These memorials serve as a constant reminder of God's intervention in history, forming the bedrock of Israel's identity and faith.
* **Call to Human Remembrance and Obedience:** Memorials are not just for God to remember, but primarily for humanity to remember God's commands, covenant, and the consequences of obedience or disobedience. They call the people to ongoing faithfulness and worship.
* **Foundation of Identity:** By preserving the memory of foundational events, zikrôwn helps to shape and maintain the collective identity of God's people. Knowing *what God has done* defines *who they are* as His chosen nation.
* **Divine Faithfulness and Justice:** The "book of remembrance" in Malachi highlights God's meticulous awareness of His faithful ones. It assures believers that their devotion and reverence for God are not overlooked but are eternally recorded and valued by the Almighty, promising future vindication and reward. This contrasts with human forgetfulness and injustice, affirming God's perfect memory and righteous judgment.
* **Anticipation of Future Redemption:** While often looking backward, some zikrôwn elements, particularly the festivals, also point forward to future acts of divine salvation and the consummation of God's plan.
### Summary
The Hebrew word zikrôwn (`{{H2146}}`) signifies something that serves as a "memorial," "record," or "remembrance." Derived from the verb "to remember" (`{{H2142}}`), it encompasses physical objects, commemorative acts, and written documents, all designed to perpetuate memory. Biblically, zikrôwn functions to ensure that God's mighty acts and covenant promises are never forgotten by His people, thereby grounding their identity and calling them to ongoing faithfulness. It also testifies to God's own perfect memory and His meticulous record-keeping of those who honor Him. Ultimately, zikrôwn underscores the vital importance of remembrance in the divine-human relationship, ensuring that the past informs the present and shapes the future hope of God's people.
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