### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **zâmam**, represented by `{{H2161}}`, is a primitive root meaning to plan or devise. It appears **13 times** across **13 unique verses** in the Bible. While its core meaning is to plan, it is frequently used in a bad sense to signify plotting or evil scheming. However, it can also describe neutral consideration, righteous purpose, or even the sovereign plans of God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H2161}}` captures a wide range of intentions. At the Tower of Babel, God notes the ambition of the people, saying nothing will be restrained from them which they have **imagined** to do [[Genesis 11:6]]. The term is often associated with malicious human intent, as when the wicked **plotteth** against the just [[Psalms 37:12]], or when a false witness is punished for what he had **thought** to do to his brother [[Deuteronomy 19:19]]. Conversely, God uses the same term to describe His own divine will, declaring, "I have **purposed** it, and will not repent" [[Jeremiah 4:28]]. It is even used in a positive, practical sense, as when the virtuous woman **considereth** a field and buys it [[Proverbs 31:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the concept of planning and its consequences:
* `{{H7489}}` **râʻaʻ** (to make bad, do evil): This word describes the harmful action that often follows a malicious plan. In [[Zechariah 8:14]], God's intent is linked to its result: "As I **thought** `{{H2161}}` to **punish** `{{H7489}}` you... and I repented not."
* `{{H5034}}` **nâbêl** (to be foolish or morally wicked): This term highlights the folly associated with evil thoughts. [[Proverbs 30:32]] links the two directly, warning, "If thou hast done **foolishly** `{{H5034}}` in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast **thought evil** `{{H2161}}`, lay thine hand upon thy mouth."
* `{{H3245}}` **yâçad** (to set, found, take counsel): While this word can mean to establish something good, it is used with `{{H2161}}` to describe conspiracy. In [[Psalms 31:13]], the psalmist's enemies "took **counsel** `{{H3245}}` together against me, they **devised** `{{H2161}}` to take away my life."
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2161}}` is significant, particularly in how it defines intent and purpose.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's use of the word demonstrates His deliberate and unchangeable nature. He **thought** to punish Israel for its ways [[Zechariah 8:14]] but also **thought** to do well to Jerusalem [[Zechariah 8:15]]. His plans are described as both **devised** and done [[Jeremiah 51:12]].
* **Human Culpability:** The word underscores that intent is morally significant. The law in [[Deuteronomy 19:19]] establishes that a person is guilty for the evil they had **thought** to do, making the plan itself a punishable offense.
* **Righteous Resolution:** In a powerful contrast to evil plotting, the word can signify a sanctified will. After being tested by God, David states, "I am **purposed** that my mouth shall not transgress" [[Psalms 17:3]], showing a heart resolved toward righteousness.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2161}}` provides crucial insight into the biblical understanding of purpose and intent. It is far more than a simple verb for planning; it conveys the moral character behind a thought or scheme. From the unified imagination of humanity at Babel to the wicked plots against the just and the sovereign decrees of God, **zâmam** reveals that the plans of the heart—whether evil, righteous, or divine—are of central importance to God.
TRV