a primitive root meaning to wag; used only as a denominative from זָנָב; to curtail, i.e. cut off the rear; smite the hindmost.
Transliteration:zânab
Pronunciation:zaw-nab'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb זָנַב (zânab), Strong's number `{{H2179}}`, is a primitive root whose base definition implies "to wag," akin to the movement of a tail. However, its usage in the Hebrew Bible is exclusively as a denominative verb derived from the noun זָנָב (zânâb), meaning "tail" (`{{H2180}}`). This denominative function shifts its semantic range from mere motion to an action performed upon or against the "tail" or rear. Specifically, it conveys the sense "to curtail," "to cut off the rear," or "to smite the hindmost." This implies a strategic and often cruel act of targeting the most vulnerable, weakest, or lagging part of a group, effectively disabling or destroying it. The action is one of predatory assault on the defenseless.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb זָנַב (zânab) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making its singular occurrence profoundly significant. This unique instance is found in [[Deuteronomy 25:18]], within the Mosaic Law's command concerning Amalek:
"how he met you on the way and attacked all who were lagging behind, when you were faint and weary; and he did not fear God."
The phrase "attacked all who were lagging behind" translates the Hebrew וַיְזַנֵּב בְּךָ כָּל־הַנֶּחֱשָׁלִים אַחֲרֶיךָ (vayzannēv bəḵā kol-hanneḥěšālîm ’aḥărêḵā). Here, the verb זָנַב (zânab) is used in the Piel stem, intensifying the action, emphasizing a deliberate and aggressive cutting off or striking. The context refers to Amalek's unprovoked assault on the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt (cf. [[Exodus 17:8-16]]). Amalek did not engage the main body of the fighting men but specifically targeted "all who were lagging behind" (כָּל־הַנֶּחֱשָׁלִים), those who were "faint and weary" (עָיֵף וְיָגֵעַ). This was an act of extreme cowardice and cruelty, preying on the most vulnerable members of the community – the elderly, the sick, the women, and children who would naturally fall to the rear of a large moving population. The phrase "he did not fear God" underscores the profound moral and theological depravity of this act.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the noun זָנָב (zânâb) `{{H2180}}`, "tail," from which זָנַב (zânab) is derived. The "tail" often symbolizes the lowest, weakest, or least significant part, in contrast to the "head" (רֹאשׁ, rō’š, `{{H7218}}`), which represents leadership or superiority (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 28:13]], [[Isaiah 9:15]]). Thus, "to cut off the tail" is to target the most vulnerable.
Other related concepts include:
* **Vulnerability and Weakness:** The noun נֶחֱשָׁלִים (neḥěšālîm), "those lagging behind" or "the feeble," highlights the specific targets of this cruel act.
* **Predatory Attack:** The act described by זָנַב (zânab) aligns with the broader biblical theme of the wicked preying on the righteous weak, a theme often met with divine judgment.
* **Divine Retribution:** The command in [[Deuteronomy 25:19]] to "blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven" is the direct divine response to this specific act of cruelty, demonstrating God's abhorrence of such behavior. This connects to concepts of vengeance (נָקָם, nāqām, `{{H5359}}`) and judgment (מִשְׁפָּט, mišpāṭ, `{{H4941}}`).
### Theological Significance
The singular use of זָנַב (zânab) in [[Deuteronomy 25:18]] carries immense theological weight. It vividly portrays an act of profound evil and highlights several key theological principles:
1. **God's Protection of the Vulnerable:** The command to remember and retaliate against Amalek underscores God's deep concern for the weakest and most defenseless among His people. He sees and condemns those who exploit the vulnerable. This aligns with numerous biblical injunctions to care for the widow, orphan, and sojourner.
2. **The Nature of Unrighteousness:** Amalek's action, characterized by "not fearing God," exemplifies a fundamental lack of moral restraint and reverence for divine justice. It is an act of unprovoked aggression against those unable to defend themselves, demonstrating a complete disregard for human dignity and divine law.
3. **Divine Justice and Retribution:** The subsequent command to "blot out the remembrance of Amalek" serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering commitment to justice. Acts of cruelty against His people, especially the weak, incur severe divine judgment. The punishment precisely mirrors the crime: just as Amalek sought to "cut off" the Israelite rear, so too would their remembrance be "cut off" from existence.
4. **The Importance of Community Care:** The passage implicitly teaches the responsibility of the strong within the community to protect and care for the weak and weary, ensuring no one is left behind to fall prey to enemies.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb זָנַב (zânab), `{{H2179}}`, derived from the noun "tail," vividly describes the act of "cutting off the rear" or "smiting the hindmost." Its solitary occurrence in [[Deuteronomy 25:18]] is a powerful indictment of Amalek's cowardly and cruel attack on the most vulnerable members of the Israelite community – those who were "faint and weary" and lagging behind. This singular usage underscores a profound theological principle: God's abhorrence of those who prey on the defenseless and His unwavering commitment to divine justice and the protection of the weak. The command to utterly eradicate Amalek serves as a severe divine retribution, mirroring the very act of "cutting off" that Amalek perpetrated, and highlighting the gravity of actions committed without the fear of God.
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