feminine of זָמִיר; song; Zemirah, an Israelite; Zemira.
Transliteration:Zᵉmîyrâh
Pronunciation:zem-ee-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word זְמִירָה (H2160, Zᵉmîyrâh) is a feminine noun derived from the root זמר (Z-M-R), which carries a fascinating dual semantic range: "to sing" and "to prune." While other derivatives of this root, such as `{{H2158}}` (זָמִיר), can refer to both "song" and "pruning-hook," זְמִירָה (H2160) primarily denotes "song" or "melody." It signifies an utterance of praise, joy, or even triumph, expressed musically. Furthermore, the term also functions as a proper noun, "Zemirah," indicating an individual's name within a genealogical context. This dual usage as a common noun and a proper name highlights its versatility in the biblical lexicon.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term זְמִירָה (H2160) appears three times in the Hebrew Bible, presenting both its primary meaning and its function as a personal name.
1. **[[Psalm 118:14]]**: "The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation." Here, זְמִירָה is used in a profound declaration of praise and trust. It stands in parallel with "strength" (עֹז, oz) and "salvation" (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshu'ah), emphasizing that the Lord Himself is the very essence and source of the psalmist's melody of praise. The "song" is not merely an act of worship, but a direct attribute of God's saving power in the life of the believer.
2. **[[Isaiah 25:5]]**: "As heat in a dry land, you subdue the uproar of foreigners; as heat by the shade of a cloud, so the song of the ruthless is stilled." In this prophetic context, זְמִירָה refers to the "song" or "triumphant shout" of the oppressive, ruthless nations. Unlike the song of praise to YHWH, this is a song of self-exaltation, arrogance, or perhaps even a war chant. The verse declares God's sovereign power to silence and subdue this oppressive "song," bringing an end to the boasts and triumphs of the ungodly. This occurrence contrasts sharply with the positive connotation in Psalm 118.
3. **[[1 Chronicles 7:8]]**: "And the sons of Becher: Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth, and Alemeth. All these were the sons of Becher." In this instance, זְמִירָה is clearly a personal name, "Zemirah," listed as one of the sons of Becher, a descendant of Benjamin. The use of a word meaning "song" as a proper name is not uncommon in Hebrew culture, often reflecting a desired characteristic for the child, a parental hope, or a theological declaration.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of זְמִירָה (H2160) is rich, connected to various terms associated with music, praise, and the broader root זמר (Z-M-R):
* **Root זמר (Z-M-R)**: This verbal root fundamentally means "to sing" or "to make music." It is the basis for many terms related to worship and melody.
* **`{{H2158}}` (זָמִיר - zamir)**: A masculine noun that can mean "song" (e.g., [[Isaiah 24:16]]) or "pruning-hook" (e.g., [[Leviticus 25:3]]). The dual meaning highlights a fascinating linguistic connection, though the precise etymological link between "singing" and "pruning" remains debated.
* **`{{H2159}}` (זָמִיר - zamir)**: Specifically "pruning-hook," often distinguished from `{{H2158}}` by context.
* **`{{H2170}}` (מִזְמוֹר - mizmor)**: Perhaps the most common related term, meaning "psalm" or "melody." This word is prominently used in the titles of many Psalms (e.g., "A Psalm of David"), indicating a sacred song to be accompanied by musical instruments.
* **`{{H2172}}` (זִמְרָה - zimrah)**: Another feminine noun from the same root, meaning "music," "song," or "melody" (e.g., [[Genesis 43:11]] where it refers to "choice fruits," again showing the dual root meaning, but also in [[Exodus 15:2]] as "song").
* **Concepts**: Praise (הלל, halal), worship (שָׁחָה, shachah), melody (נְגִינָה, neginah), strength (עֹז, oz), salvation (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshu'ah), triumph, and divine sovereignty.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of זְמִירָה (H2160) is multifaceted, primarily revolving around the act and nature of "song" in relation to God and humanity.
1. **God as the Source and Object of Song**: In [[Psalm 118:14]], God Himself is declared to be the "song" of His people. This is a profound theological statement. It implies that the very reason for Israel's praise, the melody of their existence, and the expression of their joy is found in God's character and His salvific acts. He is not just the recipient of song, but the essence of it. This highlights a deeply intimate and dependent relationship between the worshipper and the Divine.
2. **Song as an Expression of Faith and Deliverance**: The context of Psalm 118 is one of deliverance and salvation. Thus, "song" becomes a natural and divinely ordained response to God's mighty acts. It is an outpouring of gratitude, trust, and celebration of His faithfulness. The act of singing is an affirmation of God's power and a testimony to His redemptive work.
3. **The Contrast of Songs: Divine Sovereignty over Human Arrogance**: The usage in [[Isaiah 25:5]] provides a vital theological counterpoint. The "song of the ruthless" represents human pride, rebellion, and self-glorification. God's act of "stilling" this song demonstrates His ultimate sovereignty and justice. He alone has the power to silence the boasts of the wicked and to bring their triumphs to naught. This contrasts the fleeting, often destructive, songs of humanity with the eternal, righteous song rooted in God.
4. **Theological Significance of Names**: The proper name "Zemirah" carries an inherent theological weight. Naming a child "Song" could signify a parental hope that the child's life would be one of praise or joy, or it could be a testament to the parents' own experience of God as their "song" and deliverer. Such names often served as a constant reminder of divine truth within families and generations.
### Summary
זְמִירָה (H2160, Zᵉmîyrâh) is a rich Hebrew term primarily meaning "song" or "melody," though it also functions as a proper name, "Zemirah." Its occurrences in the biblical text reveal significant theological depth. In [[Psalm 118:14]], it beautifully portrays God as the very "song" and source of salvation for His people, emphasizing praise as a natural outpouring of faith and gratitude. Conversely, [[Isaiah 25:5]] uses זְמִירָה to describe the "song" or boast of the ruthless, which God sovereignly silences, highlighting His justice and ultimate control over all human endeavors. Its connection to the broader root זמר (Z-M-R) and related terms like `{{H2170}}` (מִזְמוֹר, "psalm") underscores the profound role of music and worship in the biblical narrative. Whether as an expression of divine praise or a symbol of human defiance, זְמִירָה encapsulates the power and significance of vocalized melody within the sacred texts.
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