from זוּר (in the sense of estrangement) (compare זָרָה); disgust; loathsome.
Transliteration:zârâʼ
Pronunciation:zaw-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma זָרָא (zârâʼ, `{{H2214}}`) is a rare but potent word, derived from the root זוּר (zuwr, `{{H2114}}`), which primarily signifies "to turn aside," "to be estranged," or "to be a stranger." This foundational meaning of separation or alienation is crucial for understanding זָרָא. While the base definition provided is "disgust" or "loathsome," this sense arises from the idea of something being so utterly separated or alien that it becomes repulsive or abhorrent. The word thus describes a state of being utterly estranged, leading to a strong negative emotional response. It conveys a deep sense of revulsion, indicating something that is profoundly undesirable or even detestable. The comparison to זָרָה (zarah, `{{H2219}}`), "to scatter" or "to winnow," further emphasizes a sense of dispersal, separation, or being cast away, reinforcing the notion of something being set apart in a negative, perhaps even defiling, manner.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term זָרָא (zârâʼ, `{{H2214}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the book of Job, specifically in [[Job 6:16]] and [[Job 6:17]]. Its infrequent usage underscores its powerful and specific connotation.
In [[Job 6:16]], the text reads: "Which are blackish by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow is hid:" (KJV). The Hebrew verb here is זָרְאוּ (zārəʼū), derived from זָרָא. While the KJV and many modern translations render it as "dark" or "blackish," this translation presents a semantic challenge given the lexicon's primary definition of "disgust" or "loathsome." Scholars debate this rendering, with some proposing a connection to an Arabic root meaning "to sow" (hence, dark earth), while others maintain the meaning derived from זוּר (`{{H2114}}`). If understood through the lens of "estrangement" or "loathsome," the phrase could imply that the streams are "estranged by ice" or "made repulsive by ice," perhaps referring to their frozen, unusable state.
The second occurrence is in [[Job 6:17]]: "What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place." The verb again is זָרְאוּ. Here, the context describes streams that are unreliable: they swell with winter ice and snow but then disappear in the summer heat, leaving travelers stranded and disappointed. If זָרָא retains its core meaning of "loathsome" or "estranged," it could describe the streams as being "loathsome" or "abhorrent" in their unreliability, or "estranged from their place" as they dry up. Job uses this imagery to parallel his friends' unreliability and deceitful comfort, which he finds equally "loathsome" or "estranging." The streams, like his friends, promise sustenance but ultimately fail, becoming a source of disgust or bitter disappointment. This interpretation aligns well with the broader theme of Job's lament over the deceptive nature of his circumstances and companions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root זוּר (zuwr, `{{H2114}}`), from which זָרָא (zârâʼ, `{{H2214}}`) is directly derived. This root's semantic field includes "to turn aside," "to be a stranger," "to be alienated," or "to be profane." This connection highlights that the "disgust" associated with זָרָא stems from a fundamental sense of being set apart or estranged from what is proper, pure, or reliable.
Other related terms include:
* **זָר (zar)**: Often derived from זוּר (`{{H2114}}`), meaning "stranger," "foreigner," or "profane." This noun emphasizes the state of being separate, alien, or outside the norm, which can often lead to a sense of suspicion or aversion.
* **זָרָה (zarah, `{{H2219}}`)**: "to scatter," "to winnow." While the direct semantic link to "disgust" is less obvious, the concept of dispersal or separation is present, suggesting something being cast away or rendered useless.
Concepts closely associated with זָרָא include:
* **Abhorrence/Repulsion:** The core emotional response evoked by something loathsome.
* **Alienation/Estrangement:** The state of being cut off or separate, leading to a negative perception.
* **Unreliability/Deception:** As seen in the context of Job, something that promises but fails, thus becoming a source of bitter disappointment or disgust.
* **Impurity/Defilement:** While not explicitly stated, things that are "loathsome" are often associated with ritual or moral impurity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of זָרָא (zârâʼ, `{{H2214}}`) is primarily drawn from its rare but poignant usage in Job, reflecting a profound sense of disappointment and the nature of things that are profoundly displeasing or unreliable.
1. **The Experience of Disappointment and Betrayal:** In Job's lament, the "loathsome" or "estranged" streams serve as a powerful metaphor for the unreliability of human comfort and the perceived abandonment by God. This speaks to the human experience of finding certain realities or relationships deeply repulsive when they fail to deliver on their promise. Theologically, it underscores the pain of betrayal, whether from human friends or a perceived absence of divine intervention.
2. **The Nature of What is Abhorrent:** While not directly used to describe sin, the word's meaning of "loathsome" can implicitly connect to what God finds abhorrent. If something is truly disgusting or repulsive, it stands in opposition to divine order, purity, or faithfulness. Though not explicit, it hints at the depth of God's aversion to sin and rebellion, which are fundamentally "estranged" from His holy nature.
3. **The Contrast with Divine Reliability:** The unreliable, "loathsome" streams stand in stark contrast to the steadfastness and faithfulness of God. While Job struggles with God's apparent absence, the very use of such a word for earthly unreliability can implicitly highlight the ultimate reliability that is found only in the Creator, even when His ways are inscrutable. It underscores the profound difference between transient earthly supports and the eternal, unchanging nature of God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word זָרָא (zârâʼ, `{{H2214}}`) is a rare but evocative term, rooted in the concept of estrangement (זוּר, `{{H2114}}`). Its primary meaning conveys "disgust" or "loathsome," describing something so utterly alienated or separated that it becomes repulsive. Appearing exclusively in [[Job 6:16]] and [[Job 6:17]], its precise translation in context is debated, with some rendering it as "dark" while others maintain the sense of "loathsome" or "estranged." In Job's discourse, it powerfully describes unreliable streams that deceive travelers, serving as a metaphor for the profound disappointment Job feels towards his unhelpful friends and his perceived abandonment. Theologically, זָרָא speaks to the human experience of encountering profound unreliability and betrayal, and implicitly points to the nature of what is abhorrent, standing in contrast to divine steadfastness and truth.
TRV