a primitive root (perhaps identical with זָמַר through the idea of striking with the fingers); properly, to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, i.e.; play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in song and music; give praise, sing forth praises, psalms.
Transliteration:zâmar
Pronunciation:zaw-mar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb זָמַר (zâmar), Strong's `{{H2167}}`, is a primitive root whose core meaning evolves from a tactile action to a profound expression of worship. Its etymological root likely points to the physical act of "striking with the fingers," specifically in the context of musical instruments. This primary sense signifies "to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument" and subsequently "to play upon it." From this instrumental foundation, the meaning expands to encompass vocal expression, indicating "to make music, accompanied by the voice." The semantic range culminates in its most frequent and theologically significant usage: "to celebrate in song and music," "to give praise," and "to sing forth praises" or "psalms." Thus, זָמַר encapsulates a holistic act of musical adoration, blending instrumental and vocal elements into a unified expression of reverence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb זָמַר (zâmar) appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible, predominantly in the Psalms, underscoring its central role in Israelite worship.
In its more instrumental sense, it is seen in passages like [[Psalm 33:2]], where it encourages the playing of instruments: "Praise the LORD with the harp; make melody to Him with the lute of ten strings." Similarly, [[Psalm 98:5]] instructs, "Sing praises to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of melody." This highlights the instrumental component of praise.
More broadly, זָמַר often refers to the act of singing praise to God, often without explicit mention of instruments. For instance, [[Psalm 7:17]] declares, "I will give thanks to the LORD according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High." Here, "sing praise" (זָמַר) is a direct act of vocal adoration. [[Psalm 30:4]] exhorts, "Sing praise to the LORD, you His godly ones, and give thanks to His holy memorial name." This communal call to praise is a recurring theme.
The imperative to "sing praise" is often linked to specific acts of God's deliverance or character. In [[Psalm 57:7]], David proclaims, "My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing praise, yes, I will sing praise!" This is uttered in a context of seeking refuge and trust in God amidst distress. Similarly, [[Psalm 104:33]] states, "I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being," demonstrating a lifelong commitment to adoration. The verb also appears in historical contexts, such as [[Judges 5:3]], where Deborah and Barak sing praise to the LORD after victory. In [[2 Samuel 22:50]] (parallel to [[Psalm 18:49]]), David declares, "Therefore I will give thanks to You among the nations, O LORD, and I will sing praises to Your name," connecting praise to a testimony among Gentiles.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of זָמַר (zâmar) is rich with terms related to praise, worship, and musical expression.
* **`{{H4217}}` (mizmor):** This noun, directly derived from זָמַר, means "psalm" or "song." It appears frequently as a heading in the book of Psalms (e.g., "A Psalm of David"), indicating a song intended for musical performance and praise. This is the most direct nominal correlate.
* **`{{H7891}}` (shir):** "To sing," a more general verb for vocalizing, often used alongside or interchangeably with זָמַר, but without the specific connotation of instrumental accompaniment or the strong emphasis on praise.
* **`{{H1984}}` (halal):** "To praise, boast, shine." This is another foundational word for praise, often denoting an exuberant, often public, acclamation of God. While זָמַר focuses on the musical aspect, `{{H1984}}` emphasizes the celebratory and declarative nature of praise.
* **`{{H3034}}` (yadah):** "To praise, give thanks, confess." This term often implies an act of confession or thanksgiving, sometimes with outstretched hands, signifying a surrender or acknowledgment.
* **`{{H8416}}` (tehillah):** "Praise, song of praise," a noun derived from `{{H1984}}`. It often refers to the content of praise, a hymn or song of adoration.
These words collectively paint a picture of comprehensive worship, where זָמַר specifically highlights the structured, musical, and often instrumental dimension of praise.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of זָמַר (zâmar) is profound, revealing key aspects of biblical worship and the relationship between humanity and God.
Firstly, זָמַר underscores the divine command and human response to praise God. It is not merely an option but a commanded act of devotion, reflecting God's worthiness to receive all adoration. The frequent imperative form of זָמַר in the Psalms ("Sing praise!") emphasizes this obligation and privilege.
Secondly, the act of "zamar" is an expression of joy and thanksgiving. It is often associated with deliverance from enemies, gratitude for God's faithfulness, or celebration of His mighty acts (e.g., [[Psalm 30:12]], [[Psalm 149:3]]). This suggests that praise is a natural and fitting response to God's goodness and salvation.
Thirdly, זָמַר highlights the holistic nature of worship. By encompassing both instrumental playing and vocal singing, it points to the involvement of the entire person—mind, body, and spirit—in the act of praise. It signifies that worship is not solely an intellectual exercise but a full-bodied expression of devotion, often facilitated and enhanced by music.
Finally, זָמַר contributes to the revelation of God's character. When individuals or communities "zamar" to God, they articulate His attributes, His righteousness, His steadfast love, and His power. The content of these "psalms" and "praises" serves to declare God's glory and reinforce theological truths within the worshipping community and to the world beyond.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb זָמַר (zâmar), Strong's `{{H2167}}`, describes a comprehensive act of musical praise to God. Originating from the physical act of "striking" a musical instrument, its semantic range expands to include both instrumental playing and vocal singing. Predominantly found in the Psalms, זָמַר signifies a deliberate, joyful, and reverent act of adoration, often in response to God's faithfulness, deliverance, and character. It is closely related to the noun `{{H4217}}` (mizmor, "psalm") and complements other terms of praise like `{{H1984}}` (halal, "to praise") and `{{H3034}}` (yadah, "to give thanks"). Theologically, זָמַר underscores the divine call to worship, the holistic nature of praise, and the expression of profound joy and thanksgiving in acknowledging God's supreme worth.
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