or זְמֹרָה (feminine); and זְמֹר (masculine); from זָמַר; a twig (as pruned); vine, branch, slip.
Transliteration:zᵉmôwrâh
Pronunciation:zem-o-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term זְמוֹרָה (H2156), transliterated as *zᵉmôwrâh* (feminine), and its masculine counterpart זְמֹר (zᵉmōr), derives from the verbal root זָמַר (H2167), which primarily means "to prune" or "to cut back." This etymological connection is crucial for understanding the core meaning of זְמוֹרָה. It does not refer to a general branch, but specifically to a "vine branch," "tendril," or "slip"—a part of a vine that is either pruned for fruitfulness or is itself a young shoot. The emphasis is on a branch that is inherently connected to a vine and is subject to the processes of viticulture, particularly pruning. It carries the semantic nuance of a shoot that is either productive or, if unproductive, destined to be cut off.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word זְמוֹרָה (H2156) appears in several significant biblical contexts, each adding layers to its meaning:
* **[[Numbers 13:23]]**: This is perhaps the most iconic use, describing the spies bringing back "a single branch with a cluster of grapes" from the Valley of Eshcol. Here, the זְמוֹרָה symbolizes the extraordinary fertility and abundance of the Promised Land, a tangible sign of God's blessing and the land's fruitfulness.
* **[[Isaiah 18:5]]**: In this prophetic passage, God's judgment on a nation (likely Cush/Ethiopia) is likened to a vintner's actions: "For before the harvest, when the blossom is over and the grape is ripening, he will cut off the shoots with pruning hooks, and the spreading branches [H2156] he will remove and lop off." This verse powerfully connects זְמוֹרָה with the act of pruning, highlighting divine judgment that removes unproductive or excessive growth, ensuring a healthier, more fruitful vine (or nation).
* **[[Ezekiel 15:2]]**: The prophet Ezekiel poses a rhetorical question from the Lord: "Son of man, how is the wood of the vine [H1612] better than any wood, the branch [H2156] which is among the trees of the forest?" The subsequent verses emphasize that a vine branch, unlike other wood, is useless for building or crafting once cut off. Its sole purpose is to bear fruit while attached to the vine; otherwise, it is fit only for fuel. This serves as a stark metaphor for Jerusalem/Israel, emphasizing their worthlessness and impending judgment if they do not remain faithful and fruitful in their covenant relationship with God. The זְמוֹרָה here signifies dependence and the dire consequences of separation.
* **[[Ezekiel 8:17]]**: In a description of idolatrous abominations committed in the temple, the Lord asks, "Is it too slight a thing for the house of Judah to commit the abominations which they have committed here, that they have filled the land with violence and provoked Me repeatedly? Moreover, behold, they put the branch [H2156] to their nose." This is an obscure phrase, often interpreted as a pagan ritual, possibly related to sun worship or fertility cults, where a branch was held to the nose as an act of veneration or a symbolic gesture. It underscores the depths of Israel's apostasy and the perversion of natural symbols into acts of rebellion against Yahweh.
* **[[Nahum 2:2]]**: "For the Lord will restore the splendor of Jacob, like the splendor of Israel, though devastators have devastated them and destroyed their vine branches [H2156]." This verse speaks of the desolation brought upon Israel/Judah, where their "vine branches" are laid waste, signifying the destruction of their prosperity and vitality. Yet, it also contains a glimmer of hope for restoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of זְמוֹרָה (H2156) is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms and broader biblical concepts:
* **Root זָמַר (H2167)**: As noted, this root means "to prune." This direct linguistic link is paramount, establishing that a זְמוֹרָה is inherently a pruned or prunable branch. It distinguishes it from other general terms for "branch."
* **גֶּפֶן (H1612)**: This is the Hebrew word for "vine." זְמוֹרָה is always a part of the גֶּפֶן. The relationship between the vine and its branches is foundational to understanding the function and symbolism of זְמוֹרָה.
* **Other words for "branch"**:
* עָנָף (H6057): A more general term for "branch" or "bough" of any tree.
* נֵצֶר (H5342): Refers to a "shoot" or "sprout," often used in a messianic context (e.g., "a shoot from the stump of Jesse" in [[Isaiah 11:1]]).
* בַּד (H905): Can mean "branch," "bar," or "staff," also quite general.
The specificity of זְמוֹרָה to a vine branch, particularly one subject to pruning, sets it apart from these broader terms.
* **New Testament Imagery**: While זְמוֹרָה is an Old Testament Hebrew term, its theological implications resonate deeply with the New Testament teaching of Jesus as the true vine and believers as the branches in [[John 15:1-8]]. Although the Greek word κλήμα (G2814) is used for "branch" there, the underlying imagery and principles of fruitfulness, pruning, and dependence are directly related to the concepts embedded in זְמו0רָה.
### Theological Significance
The זְמוֹרָה (H2156) carries profound theological weight, primarily revolving around themes of divine relationship, fruitfulness, and judgment:
* **Divine Pruning and Fruitfulness**: The very definition of זְמוֹרָה as a "pruned branch" points to God's active involvement in the lives of His people. Just as a vintner prunes branches for greater yield, God prunes His people through discipline, trials, and refinement, not to diminish them, but to enhance their spiritual fruitfulness ([[Isaiah 18:5]]). This concept underscores God's desire for His people to bear good fruit.
* **Dependence and Covenant Fidelity**: The imagery in [[Ezekiel 15:2]] is a powerful warning: a vine branch, separated from the vine, is worthless except as fuel. This vividly illustrates the absolute necessity of remaining connected to God. Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh was their life source; to sever that connection through idolatry or disobedience rendered them spiritually barren and destined for judgment. This emphasizes the critical importance of fidelity to the covenant.
* **Judgment and Desolation**: Unfruitful or rebellious זְמוֹרָה are subject to divine judgment. This is seen in Isaiah's prophecy of cutting off the branches and Ezekiel's depiction of the vine branch fit only for burning. The destruction of the "vine branches" in [[Nahum 2:2]] further illustrates the consequences of national sin and the resulting desolation.
* **Abundance and Blessing**: Conversely, the זְמוֹרָה from Eshcol in [[Numbers 13:23]] serves as a tangible promise of God's abundant provision and blessing for His faithful people. It speaks to the potential for incredible fruitfulness when God's presence and favor are upon His people.
* **Warning Against Idolatry**: The obscure but potent image in [[Ezekiel 8:17]] highlights how even natural symbols could be twisted into abominable idolatry, signifying a complete turning away from the true God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word זְמוֹרָה (H2156) designates a "vine branch" or "tendril," specifically one that is either pruned or intended for pruning, stemming from the root זָמַר (H2167), "to prune." Its biblical occurrences consistently underscore vital theological concepts. From the abundant זְמוֹרָה of Eshcol signifying divine blessing and fruitfulness ([[Numbers 13:23]]), to its use as a metaphor for God's disciplinary pruning ([[Isaiah 18:5]]), the term highlights the necessity of divine intervention for spiritual growth. Most profoundly, זְמוֹרָה emphasizes the absolute dependence of God's people on Him for their very purpose and existence, illustrating that a branch separated from the vine is worthless ([[Ezekiel 15:2]]). It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of unfaithfulness and idolatry ([[Ezekiel 8:17]]) and the desolation that can result ([[Nahum 2:2]]), while also implicitly pointing to the restoration of the vine's fruitfulness. Thus, זְמוֹרָה is a rich symbol of spiritual vitality, divine care, and the critical nature of covenant relationship.
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