a primitive root; properly, to draw together the feet (as an animal about to dart upon its prey), i.e. to spring forward; leap.
Transliteration:zânaq
Pronunciation:zaw-nak'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H2187 (זָנַק, zânaq) is a primitive verb whose core meaning encapsulates a specific, dynamic action. It primarily describes the act of "drawing together the feet" as a preparatory posture, immediately followed by a powerful and sudden "springing forward" or "leaping." The underlying imagery, "as an animal about to dart upon its prey," vividly conveys a sense of focused energy, agility, and decisive, often aggressive, motion. This suggests an intentional, forceful, and rapid movement, distinct from a mere jump or hop. The semantic range is narrow, concentrating on this forceful, pouncing-like action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H2187 (זָנַק, zânaq) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence particularly significant for understanding its specific nuance.
* **[[Deuteronomy 33:22]]**: "And of Dan he said, Dan is a lion's whelp: he shall leap from Bashan."
* This verse is part of Moses' final blessing upon the tribes of Israel before his death. The tribe of Dan is metaphorically depicted as a "lion's whelp" (גּוּר אַרְיֵה), a young but formidable predator. The verb זָנַק (zânaq) describes the action attributed to Dan: "he shall leap from Bashan." Bashan was a region east of the Jordan, known for its fertile pastures and, by extension, as a habitat for wild animals, including lions.
* In this context, the "leaping" signifies a powerful, assertive, and possibly even predatory movement. It suggests Dan's future military prowess, territorial expansion, or decisive actions among the tribes or against enemies. The imagery aligns perfectly with the base definition of an animal pouncing, implying strength, swiftness, and an overwhelming charge. It is a prophetic declaration of Dan's character and destiny, endowed with a fierce, decisive spirit.
### Related Words & Concepts
While H2187 (זָנַק, zânaq) is unique in its singular occurrence and specific nuance, it shares semantic space with other Hebrew verbs denoting movement, particularly leaping or springing:
* `{{H6452}}` (פָּזַז, pâzaz): To spring, leap, often in a joyful or agile manner (e.g., David leaping before the Lord in [[2 Samuel 6:16]]). This lacks the predatory undertone of H2187.
* `{{H1806}}` (דָּלַג, dâlag): To leap, spring over, often implying overcoming an obstacle or expressing joy (e.g., "the lame man shall leap as a hart" in [[Isaiah 35:6]]).
* `{{H5425}}` (נָתַר, nâthar): To jump, leap, spring, sometimes indicating a sudden, involuntary movement (e.g., [[Job 37:1]], where the heart "leaps out of its place").
* The concept of the "lion's whelp" (גּוּר אַרְיֵה) is also significant, connecting H2187 to the broader biblical motif of the lion as a symbol of strength, royalty, and formidable power (e.g., Judah in [[Genesis 49:9]]).
The distinctiveness of H2187 lies in its specific focus on the *preparatory gathering* and subsequent *decisive, pouncing* action, lending it a more aggressive and intentional character than its semantic cousins.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of H2187 (זָנַק, zânaq) in Moses' blessing of Dan carries profound theological weight. It is not merely a description of physical agility but a divinely inspired pronouncement concerning the tribe's future.
1. **Divine Endorsement of Strength**: The "leaping from Bashan" signifies a divinely bestowed strength and assertiveness. God, through Moses, declares a powerful destiny for Dan, enabling them to act with decisiveness and force.
2. **Prophetic Foreshadowing**: The verb foreshadows Dan's character or actions in the Promised Land. While Dan's history is complex (including their later idolatry and migration), this initial blessing points to an inherent capacity for powerful, perhaps even overwhelming, action.
3. **Sovereign Allotment of Gifts**: The diverse blessings upon the tribes in Deuteronomy 33 illustrate God's sovereign wisdom in distributing unique strengths and roles within His covenant people. Dan's "leaping" ability is part of this divine design, highlighting a specific facet of Israel's collective strength.
4. **Metaphor for Impact**: Beyond a literal leap, זָנַק (zânaq) serves as a potent metaphor for a sudden, impactful, and decisive move in the unfolding of God's plan. It speaks to moments of rapid advancement, conquest, or significant influence.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H2187 (זָנַק, zânaq) describes a powerful, sudden, and decisive "springing forward" or "leaping," evocative of an animal pouncing on its prey. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Deuteronomy 33:22]] is found within Moses' blessing of the tribe of Dan, likening them to a "lion's whelp" that "shall leap from Bashan." This singular usage imbues the word with significant theological meaning, highlighting a divinely endowed strength, agility, and a capacity for forceful, assertive action. It stands as a testament to God's sovereign empowerment of His people for specific, impactful roles within His overarching plan, signifying a decisive and potent move in the unfolding of their destiny.
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