English · KJV
H2211

זְקַף

zᵉqaph /zek-af'/ Ask about this word
Root(Aramaic) corresponding to זָקַף
Meaningto hang, i.e. impale
KJV usageset up.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of zᵉqaph — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Aramaic word zᵉqaph, represented by H2211, is a specific term used to describe the act of being set up, typically for impalement or hanging. It appears just 1 time in 1 unique verse, highlighting its rare and severe application in a legal context.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole use of H2211 is found within a royal decree from King Darius. The decree warns that anyone who alters his word H6600 will face a severe penalty: timber H636 is to be pulled down from his own house H1005, and "being set up," he will be hanged H4223 on it Ezra 6:11. This use establishes the word's meaning within the framework of capital punishment.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related Aramaic words clarify the context of this severe judgment:

  • H5256 nᵉçach (pull down): This word describes the initial action of tearing out the timber from the offender's house, setting the stage for the punishment Ezra 6:11.
  • H4223 mᵉchâʼ (hang): This term is used in direct conjunction with H2211, specifying that after the timber is set up, the offender is to be hanged or impaled upon it Ezra 6:11.
  • H1005 bayith (house): This word identifies the source of the instrument of punishment, indicating that the offender's own house will be dismantled to carry out the sentence Ezra 6:11.

Theological Significance

The significance of H2211 lies entirely in its legal and punitive context. It is not a theological term but one of stark, physical judgment.

  • Upholding Royal Authority: Its use is embedded in a royal decree H2942 to ensure that the king's command regarding the rebuilding of God's house is not altered H8133 Ezra 6:11.
  • A Punishment of Utter Ruin: The act of being "set up" on timber from one's own home, which is then made into a dunghill H5122, signifies total destruction and public shame for the offender Ezra 6:11.
  • Finality of Judgment: The term underscores the absolute and non-negotiable nature of the punishment for defying the decree.

Summary

In summary, zᵉqaph H2211 is a rare Aramaic word with a singular, grim purpose. It denotes the act of being "set up" for public execution by hanging or impalement. Its only appearance in scripture is part of King Darius's decree, serving as a powerful deterrent and illustrating the absolute authority behind the command to protect and finish the house of God in Jerusalem Ezra 6:11.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 1 occurrence, inflected in 1 grammatical form — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • זְקִיף

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H6600 פִּתְגָּם (Aramaic) corresponding to פִּתְגָּם; a word, answer, letter or decree; answer, letter, matter, word. H636 אָע (Aramaic) corresponding to עֵץ; a tree or wood; timber, wood. H1005 בַּיִת (Aramaic) corresponding to בַּיִת; {a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)}; house H4223 מְחָא (Aramaic) corresponding to מָחָא; to strike in pieces; also to arrest; specifically to impale; hang, smite, stay. H5256 נְסַח (Aramaic) corresponding to נָסַח; {to tear away}; pull down. H2942 טְעֵם (Aramaic) from טְעַם, and equivalent to טַעַם; properly, flavor; figuratively, judgment (both subjective and objective);

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in Ezra — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.