or זָמִר; and (feminine) זְמִרָה; from זָמַר; a song to be accompanied with instrumental music; psalm(-ist), singing, song.
Transliteration:zâmîyr
Pronunciation:zaw-meer'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun זָמִיר (zâmîyr, `{{H2158}}`), along with its related forms זָמִר and the feminine זְמִרָה (zᵉmîrâh), derives from the root זָמַר (zâmar, `{{H2167}}`). While the root זָמַר itself carries a fascinating semantic duality, meaning both "to sing, make music" and "to prune, cut off," the noun זָמִיר is consistently used in the sense of "a song" or "singing." Its core meaning denotes a vocal musical composition, specifically one intended to be accompanied by instrumental music. The semantic range extends to encompass "psalm," "singing," or simply "song," emphasizing its role in worship, celebration, and the expression of devotion. It captures the essence of melodious utterance, often in a sacred or significant context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Occurrences of זָמִיר and its related forms illuminate its specific usage in the Hebrew Bible:
* In [[2 Samuel 23:1]], David is famously called "the sweet psalmist of Israel" (נְעִים זְמִרוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל). Here, the plural feminine form זְמִרוֹת (zᵉmîrôt) refers to songs or psalms, underscoring David's divine inspiration and preeminence as a composer and singer of sacred music. This verse establishes זָמִיר within the context of divinely inspired artistic expression.
* [[Psalm 119:54]] declares, "Thy statutes have been my songs (זְמִרוֹת) in the house of my pilgrimage." This poignant verse reveals that God's laws and decrees were not merely commands but sources of joy and comfort, providing the very melody and rhythm for the psalmist's life journey. The statutes are internalized to the point of becoming spontaneous songs of the heart.
* In [[Isaiah 25:5]], the prophet speaks of the silencing of the oppressor: "the song (זָמִיר) of the terrible ones shall be brought low." Here, זָמִיר denotes the triumphant or arrogant song of the wicked, which will be humbled by divine judgment. This usage demonstrates that while often associated with praise, the term can also refer to any form of vocal expression, including one that is ultimately silenced.
These contexts show זָמִיר as a versatile term for song, ranging from the sacred and divinely inspired to expressions of human experience, whether joyful or arrogant.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of זָמִיר is enriched by understanding its lexical family and conceptual neighbors:
* **Root Verb:** The primary connection is to the verb זָמַר (zâmar, `{{H2167}}`), meaning "to sing, to make music." This root is foundational, indicating the act from which the noun זָמִיר (the song itself) is derived. The dual meaning of H2167 ("to sing" and "to prune") is a fascinating linguistic phenomenon, though H2158 consistently draws from the "singing" aspect.
* **Other Words for Song/Praise:**
* שִׁיר (shîr, `{{H7892}}`): A very common and general term for "song," often used interchangeably with זָמִיר but without the explicit emphasis on instrumental accompaniment.
* תְּהִלָּה (tᵉhillâh, `{{H8416}}`): "Praise" or "hymn," particularly a song of praise to God. The book of Psalms in Hebrew is called *Tehillim*, "Praises."
* מִזְמוֹר (mizmôr, `{{H4210}}`): "Psalm," specifically a song accompanied by stringed instruments. This term is closely aligned with זָמִיר in its musical and liturgical context, often appearing in the superscriptions of Psalms.
* **Musical Instruments:** The definition's emphasis on "instrumental music" connects זָמִיר to the rich tradition of music in Israelite worship, involving instruments like lyres, harps, and flutes, which were integral to temple worship and communal celebration.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of זָמִיר is profound, touching upon several key aspects of Israelite faith and worship:
* **Divine Revelation and Response:** זָמִיר represents the human response to divine revelation and action. It is a natural outflow of the heart's encounter with God's character and deeds, as seen in the psalmist's delight in God's statutes ([[Psalm 119:54]]).
* **Worship and Praise:** At its core, זָמִיר is a vehicle for worship and praise. It signifies the joyful and often communal expression of adoration for Yahweh, reflecting the vibrant musical tradition central to Israel's spiritual life. The "sweet psalmist of Israel" ([[2 Samuel 23:1]]) embodies the ideal of a life dedicated to composing and performing songs of praise to God.
* **Inspired Utterance:** The association with David, a prophet and king, suggests that זָמִיר can be a form of divinely inspired utterance, carrying spiritual truth and edification. It is not merely human artistry but can be a conduit for divine wisdom and revelation.
* **Emotional Expression:** Songs, or זְמִרוֹת, provide a channel for a wide range of human emotions within a sacred context—joy, lament, triumph, and even the expression of righteous indignation against evil, as seen in the silencing of the wicked's song ([[Isaiah 25:5]]).
* **Covenant Relationship:** The act of singing, especially songs of praise, reinforces the covenant relationship between God and His people. It is a communal act of remembrance, thanksgiving, and commitment, binding the community together in shared faith and devotion.
### Summary
זָמִיר (`{{H2158}}`) is a significant Hebrew term denoting a "song" or "singing," typically accompanied by instrumental music. Deriving from the root זָמַר (`{{H2167}}`) "to sing," it appears in contexts ranging from the divinely inspired psalms of David ([[2 Samuel 23:1]]) to the joyful embrace of God's law ([[Psalm 119:54]]), and even the silencing of the wicked's boasts ([[Isaiah 25:5]]). Theologically, זָמִיר underscores the vital role of music in Israelite worship, serving as a primary means of expressing praise, devotion, and the varied human response to God's presence and commands. It highlights song as a profound articulation of faith, a medium for both personal and communal engagement with the divine.
TRV