and (feminine) זְעָקָהxlit zᵉâqâh corrected to zᵉʻâqâh; from זָעַק; a shriek or outcry; cry(-ing).
Transliteration:zaʻaq
Pronunciation:zah'-ak
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H2201 (זַעַק, *zaʻaq*, and its feminine form זְעָקָה, *zᵉʻâqâh*) functions as a noun, denoting a "shriek" or "outcry." It is derived from the verbal root H2199 (זָעַק, *zaʻaq*), meaning "to cry out, call, summon." As a noun, H2201 describes the act or sound of such a cry. Its semantic range encompasses expressions of deep distress, alarm, lamentation, or urgent appeal. Unlike a simple shout or call, H2201 typically conveys a sense of desperation, urgency, or profound emotion, often arising from oppression, suffering, or sudden calamity. It signifies a vocalization born out of intense need or overwhelming circumstance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun H2201 appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, predominantly highlighting situations of distress, fear, and urgent appeal.
In [[1 Samuel 4:13]], the "cry of the city" signifies the widespread alarm and grief among the populace upon hearing of the Ark's capture and Israel's defeat. Similarly, [[1 Samuel 5:10]] describes "a great cry" in Ekron, reflecting the panic and suffering inflicted by the hand of the Lord.
The term often characterizes the desperate plea of an afflicted people. A poignant example is found in [[Nehemiah 9:9]], where the Lord is remembered for hearing the "cry" of the Israelites by the Red Sea, underscoring divine attentiveness to the suffering of His people.
Prophetic literature frequently employs H2201 to depict the lamentation and despair of nations facing judgment or devastation. For instance, [[Isaiah 15:8]] speaks of the "cry" that has gone around the border of Moab, illustrating the widespread wailing and sorrow. Likewise, [[Jeremiah 48:34]] refers to the "cry of Heshbon" ascending, portraying the anguish of the inhabitants.
In [[Esther 4:1]], Mordecai's "loud and bitter cry" encapsulates his profound grief and alarm over Haman's decree against the Jews, emphasizing the intensity of his sorrow and protest. These occurrences consistently link H2201 with moments of significant emotional upheaval, often calling for divine or human intervention.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root H2199 (זָעַק, *zaʻaq*), from which H2201 is directly derived. While H2199 describes the *act* of crying out, H2201 refers to the *sound* or *instance* of that cry. This noun-verb relationship highlights the immediate and tangible manifestation of the action.
Other Hebrew words related to crying or shouting, though with distinct nuances, include:
* H7773 (שַׁוְעָה, *shav'ah*): A noun meaning "cry for help," derived from H7768 (שָׁוַע, *shava'*) "to cry for help." This term is often more specifically focused on a plea for deliverance.
* H6817 (צָוַח, *tsavach*): A verb meaning "to cry, shriek, scream," often implying a shriller, more piercing sound, sometimes associated with warning or alarm.
* H7440 (רָנַן, *ranan*): A verb meaning "to shout for joy," which stands in stark contrast to the distress typically conveyed by H2201.
While these terms share the general concept of vocalization, H2201 particularly emphasizes a cry born of deep emotional distress, often collective in nature, and frequently directed towards a higher authority for relief or justice.
### Theological Significance
The "cry" (H2201) holds profound theological significance, primarily as a catalyst for divine action. A recurring motif in biblical theology is God's responsiveness to the "cry" of His people. This is powerfully demonstrated in the Exodus narrative, where God declares, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt and have given heed to their *cry* because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings" ([[Exodus 3:7]], using the verb H2199 but referring to the noun concept). [[Nehemiah 9:9]] explicitly states that God "heard their *cry* by the Red Sea," confirming His attentive ear to their distress.
This divine hearing of the "cry" underscores God's compassion, justice, and active involvement in human history. It signifies that human suffering, particularly under oppression, does not go unnoticed by the Almighty. The "cry" thus represents an act of desperate faith and dependence, an admission of human inability to overcome overwhelming circumstances without divine intervention.
Furthermore, the "cry" can serve as a prophetic indicator of impending judgment or the devastation wrought by sin. The cries of cities or nations facing desolation highlight the consequences of rebellion against God, yet even in these laments, there is often an implicit, if unacknowledged, appeal for mercy or a recognition of divine sovereignty.
### Summary
H2201 (זַעַק, *zaʻaq* / זְעָקָה, *zᵉʻâqâh*) is a Hebrew noun signifying an intense "shriek" or "outcry," typically arising from deep distress, alarm, or lamentation. Its usage in the Old Testament consistently portrays situations of profound suffering, fear, or urgent appeal, whether from individuals or an entire community. Theologically, H2201 is a powerful term, central to the biblical narrative of divine responsiveness. It represents the human expression of helplessness and dependence, serving as a catalyst for God's compassionate intervention and a testament to His attentive ear to the cries of the afflicted. The "cry" is a fundamental expression of human need, met by the steadfast love and justice of God.
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