from זָמַר; a musical piece or song to be accompanied by an instrument; melody, psalm.
Transliteration:zimrâh
Pronunciation:zim-raw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H2172 (זִמְרָה, zimrâh) is derived from the verbal root `{{H2167}}` (זָמַר, zâmar), which primarily means "to sing" or "to make music." While zâmar can also mean "to prune" (as in vineyards), the noun zimrâh exclusively relates to the musical sense. It denotes a "musical piece," "song," or "melody," often implying a structured composition intended for vocal performance, frequently accompanied by instruments. It is not merely the act of singing, but the *product* of that act—a specific tune or anthem. The semantic range encompasses expressions of praise, triumph, and even, in certain contexts, the sound of oppressive or unrighteous revelry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H2172 appears in the Hebrew Bible in a limited yet highly significant number of passages:
* **[[Exodus 15:2]]**: "The LORD is my strength and my song (וְזִמְרָתִי), and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him; my father's God, and I will exalt him." This verse is part of the Song of the Sea, a triumphal hymn sung by Moses and the Israelites after their deliverance from Egypt. Here, zimrâh is parallel to "strength" (עֹז, oz) and "salvation" (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshû‘âh), indicating that God Himself is the source, content, and object of their song. It is a song born of miraculous deliverance.
* **[[Psalm 118:14]]**: "The LORD is my strength and my song (וְזִמְרָתִי); he has become my salvation." This verse is an almost verbatim repetition of [[Exodus 15:2]], underscoring its profound theological weight. In the context of Psalm 118, which is a psalm of thanksgiving for God's steadfast love and deliverance from distress, zimrâh again signifies the joyful and grateful praise offered to God as the author of salvation.
* **[[Isaiah 25:5]]**: "As the heat of a dry land, you subdue the uproar of foreigners; as the heat by the shade of a cloud, so the song (זִמְרַת) of the ruthless is stilled." In this prophetic passage concerning God's ultimate triumph over the nations, zimrâh refers to the "song" or "shout" of the oppressive, ruthless ones. Here, it carries a negative connotation, representing the boastful, triumphant cries of the wicked that God will silence.
* **[[Amos 5:23]]**: "Take away from me the noise of your songs (הֲמוֹן שִׁירֶיךָ); I will not listen to the melody of your harps (וְזִמְרַת נְבָלֶיךָ)." In this powerful indictment against Israel's hypocritical worship and social injustice, zimrâh refers to the "melody" or "music" of their religious festivals, specifically played on harps (נְבָלִים, nevâlîm). God rejects this music because it is devoid of true worship and righteousness, highlighting the emptiness of ritual without obedience.
### Related Words & Concepts
H2172 is intimately connected to other terms related to music and worship in the Hebrew Bible:
* **`{{H2167}}` (זָמַר, zâmar)**: The root verb from which zimrâh is derived, meaning "to sing," "to make music." This is the foundational concept.
* **`{{H7892}}` (שִׁיר, shîr)**: A very common and general term for "song." While zimrâh often implies a structured, perhaps instrumental, piece, shîr can refer to any vocal song. [[Amos 5:23]] distinguishes between the "noise of your songs" (הֲמוֹן שִׁירֶיךָ) and the "melody of your harps" (וְזִמְרַת נְבָלֶיךָ), suggesting zimrâh might denote a more specific, perhaps instrumental, melody.
* **`{{H4210}}` (מִזְמוֹר, mizmor)**: "Psalm," "melody." This term, also derived from zâmar, is frequently found in the titles of the Psalms (e.g., "A Psalm of David"). It is very close in meaning to zimrâh, both referring to a sacred musical composition.
* **`{{H5058}}` (נֶגֶן, negen)**: "Musical instrument" or "music played on an instrument." The use of zimrâh with "harps" in [[Amos 5:23]] implies its connection to instrumental music.
* **Concepts**: Praise, worship, thanksgiving, deliverance, salvation, triumph, lament, and the authenticity (or inauthenticity) of religious ritual.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H2172 is profound and multifaceted:
* **God as the Song Itself**: The most striking theological insight comes from [[Exodus 15:2]] and [[Psalm 118:14]], where God is proclaimed "my strength and my song." This is not merely a statement that God is the *object* of the song, or the *reason* for singing, but that He *is* the song itself. He embodies the very essence and content of the praise. This elevates human worship from a mere act to a participation in God's own being and redemptive work. The song is not just *about* God; it *is* God revealing Himself as the source of joy and salvation.
* **Response to Divine Deliverance**: In its primary positive uses, zimrâh is inextricably linked to divine deliverance. It is the spontaneous, joyful, and musical expression of a people who have experienced God's saving power. This highlights the intrinsic connection between salvation and worship; true praise flows from a heart transformed by God's redemptive acts.
* **Authenticity and Rejection of Empty Ritual**: The use of zimrâh in [[Amos 5:23]] provides a critical theological counterpoint. While song is a divinely ordained means of worship, it can become an abomination if separated from righteousness and justice. God rejects the "melody" of those whose hearts are far from Him, emphasizing that true worship is holistic, demanding both spiritual devotion and ethical conduct. This serves as a powerful warning against superficial religiosity.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Triumph**: [[Isaiah 25:5]] illustrates God's ultimate sovereignty. The silencing of the "song of the ruthless" signifies God's complete victory over all forms of oppression and injustice. The triumph of God means the cessation of the boastful, unrighteous "music" of His enemies, replaced by His peace and righteous rule.
### Summary
H2172 (זִמְרָה, zimrâh) denotes a "musical piece," "song," or "melody," often with instrumental accompaniment. Its primary theological significance lies in the declaration that God Himself is the "strength and song" of His people, making Him both the source and the very essence of their praise, especially in response to His acts of salvation. While zimrâh is a vehicle for joyful thanksgiving and worship, its use in prophetic judgment also underscores that God rejects religious music that is divorced from righteousness and justice. Ultimately, zimrâh encapsulates the profound connection between divine deliverance, authentic human worship, and God's sovereign triumph over all that opposes His holy character.
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