from זָמַר; instrumental music; by implication, praise; song.
Transliteration:zimrâth
Pronunciation:zim-rawth'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word zimrâth (`{{H2176}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the verb zamar (`{{H2178}}`). The root zamar primarily conveys the idea of "to pluck," specifically referring to the plucking of strings on a musical instrument, which then extends to "making music," "singing praises," or "singing." Consequently, zimrâth carries the concrete meaning of "instrumental music" or "melody." By natural extension, it comes to signify the "song" itself, and more profoundly, the "praise" that is expressed through music or song. It encapsulates both the medium of praise (music/song) and the very essence or object of that praise. The nuanced definition "my strength and my song" or "my strength and my praise" in its biblical occurrences highlights this dual aspect: God as the source of power and the wellspring of joyful adoration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term zimrâth (`{{H2176}}`) appears only three times in the Hebrew Bible, always within a highly significant and consistent theological declaration:
* **[[Exodus 15:2]]**: "The Lord is my strength and my song, 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 climactic "Song of the Sea," sung by Moses and the Israelites immediately after their miraculous deliverance from Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea. Here, zimrâth (my song/praise) is paired with ‘oz (`{{H5797}}`, "my strength"), signifying that Yahweh is not only the source of their power and ability to overcome but also the very content and inspiration of their celebratory praise. Their salvation is so complete that God Himself becomes the subject and object of their song.
* **[[Isaiah 12:2]]**: "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation." This passage is found within a prophetic song of thanksgiving, looking forward to a future eschatological deliverance of Israel. The verbatim repetition of the phrase from Exodus 15:2 underscores its enduring theological truth and its application to God's redemptive work across generations. It reaffirms God as the unwavering foundation of strength and the ultimate cause for praise in the face of fear and uncertainty.
* **[[Psalm 118:14]]**: "The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation." This verse is part of a Hallel Psalm, traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals, celebrating God's steadfast love and miraculous deliverance. The phrase functions as a confessional statement, embedding the truth of God's active role in the life of the worshiper and the community into their liturgical worship. The consistent linkage with "salvation" in all three occurrences is paramount, establishing zimrâth as a direct, grateful response to divine rescue.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Zamar (`{{H2178}}`):** The foundational verb from which zimrâth is derived. It means "to make music," "to sing praise," or "to pluck a stringed instrument." Zimrâth is the noun form, representing the product or embodiment of this action.
* **Shir (`{{H7892}}`):** A common Hebrew word for "song" or "singing." While zimrâth can be translated as "song," it often carries a more specific nuance of a praise-filled melody or the *reason* for the song, emphasizing the profound expression of worship.
* **Tehillah (`{{H8416}}`):** Meaning "praise," "hymn," or "song of praise." This term often refers to the act or content of praise, particularly in a communal context. Zimrâth contributes to tehillah by providing the musical and melodic dimension of that praise.
* **Todah (`{{H8426}}`):** "Thanksgiving," "confession," or "praise." Often associated with a sacrifice of thanksgiving, emphasizing gratitude and acknowledgment of God's goodness.
* **Halal (`{{H1984}}`):** The widely known root for "praise," "boast," or "shine." Zimrâth serves as a potent means by which one halals the Lord, expressing exuberant praise.
* **Yeshu'ah (`{{H3444}}`):** "Salvation," "deliverance," "help." This word is critically linked to zimrâth in all its occurrences, as God's salvation is the direct impetus for the "song" or "praise."
### Theological Significance
The consistent phrase "The Lord is my strength and my song" unveils a profound theological truth: God is not merely the *recipient* of praise, but He *is* the very *reason* for it, the *content* of it, and the *enabler* of it. Our praise, our zimrâth, flows directly from His character and His saving acts. This term highlights praise as an intrinsic, holistic response to divine deliverance. All three biblical occurrences are rooted in contexts of God's powerful intervention and salvation (the Exodus, future eschatological salvation, and general deliverance in the Psalms). This establishes zimrâth as an integral part of the grateful, worshipful response to God's redemptive power. The possessive "my" ("my strength and my song") indicates a deeply personal and confessional aspect of faith, signifying an intimate relationship where God is personally experienced as the foundation of one's being and the wellspring of one's adoration. The repetition of this exact phrase across the Torah, Prophets, and Writings underscores its enduring theological significance and its probable liturgical function within Israel's worship, serving as a foundational declaration of faith. Zimrâth thus implies a worship that engages the whole person—intellect, emotion, and spirit—expressed through melody and song, deeply rooted in the experience of God's active presence and intervention.
### Summary
The Hebrew word zimrâth (`{{H2176}}`), derived from the root zamar (`{{H2178}}`), denotes "instrumental music," "song," and, by powerful implication, "praise." Though it appears only three times in the Old Testament—[[Exodus 15:2]], [[Isaiah 12:2]], and [[Psalm 118:14]]—its consistent placement within the profound declaration "The Lord is my strength and my song" imbues it with immense theological weight. In each instance, zimrâth functions as a direct, worshipful response to God's salvific power and deliverance. It portrays God not merely as the object of praise, but as the very source, content, and inspiration of the worshiper's strength and joyous expression. This word underscores that true biblical praise is an intimate, personal, and holistic acknowledgment of God's redemptive work in the life of the believer and the community, transforming the experience of salvation into a spontaneous and enduring melody of adoration.
TRV