apparently from זָמַר or זָמַר; a gazelle (from its lightly touching the ground); chamois.
Transliteration:zemer
Pronunciation:zeh'-mer
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H2169 (זֶמֶר, *zemer*) refers to a specific type of agile, hoofed animal. Its base definition points to "a gazelle" or "chamois." The proposed etymological connection to the root זָמַר (zamar), meaning "to sing" or "to prune," is noted as "apparently" linked, possibly alluding to the animal's light, prancing movement or its quick, darting agility. However, the primary semantic range of H2169 is unequivocally zoological, designating a clean, edible ruminant known for its speed and grace. The precise identification of the species can vary among translations, often encompassing creatures like the gazelle, chamois, or various types of wild goat or sheep.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H2169 appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times within lists of animals.
1. **[[Deuteronomy 14:5]]**: This verse is part of a broader section detailing the dietary laws given to Israel, distinguishing between animals that are ritually clean and those that are unclean. זֶמֶר is enumerated among the ten clean animals that the Israelites were permitted to eat: "the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep (or chamois, זֶמֶר)." In this context, זֶמֶר is presented as a divinely sanctioned food source, a part of God's gracious provision for His covenant people. Its inclusion underscores the specific boundaries and distinctions that defined Israel's life before Yahweh.
2. **[[1 Kings 4:23]]** (Hebrew 5:3): Here, זֶמֶר is mentioned in the description of King Solomon's extravagant daily provisions for his court: "Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and a hundred sheep, besides harts, and roebucks, and fallow deer, and fed fowl." In this passage, זֶמֶר contributes to the picture of immense abundance and prosperity during Solomon's reign. It is listed among various types of game animals, signifying the lavishness and scope of the royal diet, indicative of the blessing and wisdom bestowed upon Solomon by God.
In both occurrences, זֶמֶר functions as an item in a list of animals, consistently appearing alongside other desirable and edible wild game, highlighting its status as a valuable food source within ancient Israelite society.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of H2169 benefits from examining its relationship to other biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **Root זָמַר (zamar)**: While the Strong's definition suggests a connection, the primary root זָמַר (`{{H2167}}`) typically means "to sing," "to make music," or "to prune." If there is an etymological link to זֶמֶר, it would likely be metaphorical, perhaps referencing the animal's light-footedness (like a dance or musical step) or its swift, precise movements (like pruning). However, the zoological meaning of H2169 stands distinct from the musical or agricultural meanings of its supposed root.
* **Other Clean Animals**: זֶמֶר is frequently listed alongside other clean, edible animals such as אַיָּל (ayyal - deer, `{{H354}}`), צְבִי (tsevi - gazelle, `{{H6643}}`), and יַחְמוּר (yahmur - roebuck/fallow deer, `{{H3180}}`). This categorization places זֶמֶר within the broader framework of Israel's dietary laws (kashrut) and the divine ordering of creation.
* **Dietary Laws (Kashrut)**: The inclusion of זֶמֶר in [[Deuteronomy 14:5]] is central to the concept of kashrut, which distinguished Israel from other nations and served as a means of holiness and obedience to God's covenant.
* **Divine Provision**: Both occurrences underscore God's role as the provider of sustenance for His people, whether through the general permission for consumption under the Law or through the specific abundance granted to King Solomon.
* **Abundance and Blessing**: In the context of [[1 Kings 4:23]], זֶמֶר contributes to the portrayal of the unparalleled wealth and prosperity of Solomon's kingdom, which was viewed as a direct blessing from Yahweh.
### Theological Significance
The presence of זֶמֶר in the biblical text, though limited, carries several theological implications:
* **Divine Order and Provision**: The designation of זֶמֶר as a clean animal in [[Deuteronomy 14:5]] highlights God's meticulous ordering of creation and His gracious provision for humanity. It demonstrates that the Creator not only sustains life but also specifies what is wholesome and permissible for His people's consumption, reflecting His care and wisdom.
* **Holiness and Distinction**: The dietary laws, within which זֶמֶר is categorized as clean, served to set Israel apart as a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding pagan cultures. By adhering to these divine stipulations, Israel affirmed its unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, fostering a sense of identity and obedience that permeated daily life.
* **Blessing and Abundance**: In the account of Solomon's reign ([[1 Kings 4:23]]), the inclusion of זֶמֶר among the daily provisions symbolizes the extraordinary abundance and prosperity that characterized his kingdom. This material blessing was understood as a tangible manifestation of God's favor and wisdom bestowed upon Solomon, illustrating the fulfillment of God's promises to His chosen king.
* **Stewardship of Creation**: While not explicitly stated, the very act of categorizing animals as clean or unclean implies a divine perspective on humanity's interaction with the created world. It subtly points to a responsible engagement with nature, where certain creatures are designated for human use within a framework of divine permission.
### Summary
H2169 (זֶמֶר, *zemer*) primarily denotes an agile, hoofed animal, commonly identified as a "gazelle," "chamois," or "roe deer." Its two biblical appearances consistently place it within lists of animals. In [[Deuteronomy 14:5]], it is explicitly named as a clean animal, permissible for consumption under the Mosaic Law, signifying God's provision and the distinct identity of Israel. In [[1 Kings 4:23]], it appears as part of the abundant daily provisions for King Solomon's court, illustrating the prosperity and blessing bestowed upon his reign. While its etymological link to "singing" or "pruning" is speculative, its core meaning remains zoological. Theologically, זֶמֶר serves as a tangible example of God's gracious provision, the intricate order within creation, and the abundance of blessings. It is part of the rich tapestry of God's created world, designated for human use within the covenant framework, and a subtle indicator of divine favor and order.
TRV