regarded by some as if from זוּן or an unused root, and applied to military equipments; but evidently the feminine plural active participle of זָנָה; harlots; armour.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **zônôwth**, represented by `{{H2185}}`, is defined as **armour**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. The word's origin is complex, with some seeing it as related to military equipment, while its grammatical form suggests it is the feminine plural active participle of a word meaning "harlots," creating a unique etymological background for this rarely used term.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H2185}}` is found in the account of King Ahab's death in [[1 Kings 22:38]]. After Ahab is killed in battle, his chariot and **armour** are brought to the pool of Samaria to be washed. The verse states that as the **armour** was washed, dogs licked the king's blood from the chariot, fulfilling a divine prophecy. The word is used to denote the military equipment of a fallen king, highlighting the finality and public nature of his judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The verse where `{{H2185}}` appears uses two distinct Hebrew words for "washing" that clarify its context:
* `{{H7364}}` **râchats**: This word, used to describe the washing of the armour, is a primitive root meaning to **bathe (self), wash (self)**. It often implies a personal or ritual cleansing, as when Naaman is told to "Wash, and be clean" [[2 Kings 5:10]].
* `{{H7857}}` **shâṭaph**: Used for the washing of the chariot, this primitive root means to gush or **inundate, cleanse**. It implies a more forceful action, like an "overflowing flood" [[Jeremiah 47:2]] or an "overflowing scourge" of judgment [[Isaiah 28:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2185}}` is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context. It serves as a symbol of divine judgment being executed as prophesied.
* **Fulfilled Prophecy:** The washing of the **armour** is not a simple cleaning but a key detail in an event that occurs "according unto the word of the LORD" [[1 Kings 22:38]], confirming God's sovereignty and the inerrancy of His decrees.
* **Symbol of Humiliation:** Armour represents a king's strength, pride, and earthly power. Having it washed in the same pool where dogs licked the king's blood signifies a profound and public humiliation.
* **Finality of Judgment:** The cleansing of the blood-stained armour marks the definitive end of Ahab's reign and legacy, demonstrating that no amount of military might can protect one from divine justice.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2185}}` is a term whose significance is defined by its solitary appearance in scripture. While its base definition is **armour**, its context in [[1 Kings 22:38]] elevates it to a symbol of humbled power and fulfilled prophecy. The word illustrates how an object of human strength becomes an instrument for displaying divine judgment, marking the final, ignominious conclusion to a disobedient king's life.
TRV