from זָמַר; pruned (i.e. choice) fruit; best fruit.
Transliteration:zimrâh
Pronunciation:zim-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word *zimrâh* (`{{H2173}}`) is a noun derived from the verb root *zāmar* (`{{H2167}}`). The primary meaning of this root is "to prune" or "to trim," as one would prune a vineyard to encourage healthier growth and better fruit. From this agricultural sense, *zimrâh* (`{{H2173}}`) takes on the meaning of "pruned fruit," which is understood to be "choice fruit" or "best fruit." The implication is that through careful cultivation and trimming, the resulting fruit is of superior quality and abundance. While the root *zāmar* (`{{H2167}}`) also gives rise to words related to "singing" or "making music" (perhaps from the idea of shaping sounds), the meaning of *zimrâh* (`{{H2173}}`) is firmly rooted in the agricultural aspect of the verb. It denotes the valuable and desirable produce of the land, particularly that which is cultivated and tended.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *zimrâh* (`{{H2173}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, making its contextual analysis particularly significant:
* **[[Leviticus 19:23]]**: "And when you come into the land and plant all kinds of trees for food, then you shall count their fruit as forbidden. Three years it shall be forbidden to you; it must not be eaten." Here, *zimrâh* refers to the "fruit" of newly planted trees. The context is the *'orlah* (uncircumcised) law, which prohibited the consumption of fruit from new trees for the first three years. The use of *zimrâh* in this context emphasizes the valuable, edible produce of the trees, which, after the period of prohibition, would become a source of sustenance. The underlying idea of "pruning" from the root subtly suggests a process of maturation and sanctification before the fruit is deemed ready for consumption, highlighting divine regulation over the bounty of the land.
* **[[Deuteronomy 34:3]]**: "the Negeb and the Plain, the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar." This verse describes the panoramic view of the Promised Land granted to Moses from Mount Nebo. The phrase "the City of Palms" (עִיר הַתְּמָרִים) is often used for Jericho. However, the Masoretic Text actually uses *zimrâh* (`{{H2173}}`) here, rendering "the valley of Jericho, the city of *zimrâh*." While some ancient translations render it as "palm trees," implying the city known for its date palms, the literal sense of *zimrâh* would be "the city of best produce" or "the city of choice fruit." This highlights Jericho's renown for its exceptional fertility and agricultural abundance, particularly its dates, which were indeed a "choice fruit." In this context, *zimrâh* contributes to the description of the Promised Land as a place of extraordinary richness and desirability.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root *zāmar* (`{{H2167}}`):** As the direct root, *zāmar* means "to prune" (e.g., [[Leviticus 25:3]]) and also "to sing" or "make music" (e.g., [[Psalm 9:11]]). The connection to *zimrâh* (`{{H2173}}`) is primarily through the agricultural sense of pruning for better yield.
* ***Zemer* (`{{H2172}}`):** A noun derived from the same root, meaning "song" or "melody." This demonstrates the dual semantic branches of the root *zāmar* (`{{H2167}}`), one related to physical cultivation and its yield, the other to artistic expression.
* ***Zimrî* (`{{H2174}}`):** A proper name, likely meaning "my music" or "my song," further illustrating the musical aspect of the root.
* **Agricultural Terminology:** *Zimrâh* (`{{H2173}}`) is part of a broader lexical field concerning agricultural produce and the bounty of the land, including words like *p'ri* (`{{H6529}}`, "fruit"), *y'vu'l* (`{{H2981}}`, "produce"), and *t'vu'ah* (`{{H8393}}`, "produce, yield"). *Zimrâh* distinguishes itself by emphasizing the *choice* or *best* quality of the produce, often implying the result of careful cultivation.
* **Land of Promise:** The use of *zimrâh* (`{{H2173}}`) in [[Deuteronomy 34:3]] places it within the rich biblical descriptions of the Land of Israel as a land of abundance, often depicted as "flowing with milk and honey" (e.g., [[Exodus 3:8]]), signifying its extraordinary fertility and God's generous provision.
### Theological Significance
The concept of *zimrâh* (`{{H2173}}`) carries significant theological weight, particularly concerning divine provision and human stewardship:
* **Divine Provision and Blessing:** The "choice fruit" of *zimrâh* directly reflects God's abundant provision for His people. The Land of Israel, as depicted in [[Deuteronomy 34:3]], is not merely a habitable place but a land capable of yielding exceptional bounty, a tangible sign of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. It signifies the richness of the inheritance granted to Israel.
* **Stewardship and Obedience:** The context in [[Leviticus 19:23]] highlights that even the "best fruit" is subject to divine law. The prohibition on consuming *zimrâh* for the first three years instills patience, trust in God's timing, and recognition of His ultimate ownership over the land and its produce. It underscores that God's blessings come with responsibilities and that the "best" is often received through a process of sanctification and obedience. This law teaches a profound lesson in delayed gratification and reverence for the Creator.
* **Cultivation and Sanctification:** The underlying root of "pruning" implies a process of cultivation and refinement. Just as a vine is pruned to yield more and better fruit, so too are God's people called to be cultivated and refined, to bear "fruit" (both material and spiritual) that is pleasing to God. The waiting period for *zimrâh* in Leviticus can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual maturation – the "best" fruit of one's life often requires time, discipline, and a period of being set apart for God's purposes.
### Summary
The Hebrew word *zimrâh* (`{{H2173}}`) denotes "choice fruit" or "best produce," stemming from the root *zāmar* (`{{H2167}}`), meaning "to prune." Its rare but potent appearances in the Bible illuminate key theological themes. In [[Leviticus 19:23]], it refers to the regulated fruit of new trees, emphasizing the divine command for patient stewardship and sanctification of God's provisions. In [[Deuteronomy 34:3]], it describes the extraordinary fertility of the Promised Land, particularly the region of Jericho, portraying it as a land of desirable and abundant yield. Theologically, *zimrâh* powerfully speaks to God's generous and faithful provision, the call for human obedience and patience in receiving divine blessings, and the inherent abundance of the Land of Israel as a fulfillment of covenant promises. It subtly conveys the idea that true "best fruit" emerges from a process of careful cultivation and divine ordering.
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