### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma זָרַב (zârab), Strong's H2215, is a primitive root, indicating a foundational concept within the language, though its precise semantic range is somewhat obscured by its extreme rarity in the biblical text. The base definition provided suggests two primary, seemingly distinct, meanings: "to flow away" and "to wax warm."
The meaning "to flow away" implies a sense of dissipation, dwindling, or perhaps even evaporation. It could refer to water receding, drying up, or being consumed in small, precise quantities. This suggests a movement or loss of liquid substance.
The meaning "to wax warm" points to an increase in temperature, perhaps indicating a feverish state, a warming sensation, or even a process of heating.
The connection between these two meanings is not immediately obvious but could be interpreted in several ways:
1. **Evaporation/Dissipation by Heat:** A substance "flowing away" might do so through evaporation caused by "waxing warm."
2. **Feverish Sweat:** A body "waxing warm" (developing a fever) might lead to a "flowing away" of sweat.
3. **Figurative Dwindling:** Something that "waxes warm" (e.g., enthusiasm, resolve) might then "flow away" (dissipate).
However, given its singular occurrence, the contextual meaning often takes precedence over a broad theoretical range.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word זָרַב (zârab) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in [[Ezekiel 4:10]]:
> "And your food which you eat shall be by weight, twenty shekels a day; from time to time you shall eat it. And water by measure you shall drink, a sixth part of a hin you shall drink; from time to time you shall drink it." (ESV)
The specific phrase in question is וּמַיִם בְּמִדָּה תִּשְׁתֶּה הַזָּרַב תִּשְׁתֶּה (u-mayim b'middah tishteh ha-zârab tishteh). While the base definition suggests "to flow away" or "to wax warm," nearly all English translations and ancient versions (like the Septuagint) interpret "הַזָּרַב" (ha-zârab) in this context not as a verb but as a noun referring to a specific *measure* of liquid, specifically "a sixth part of a hin."
The Septuagint translates it as "τὸ ἕκτον τοῦ ἴν" (the sixth of a hin), which strongly supports the interpretation of a measurement. A *hin* (`{{H2028}}`) was a liquid measure, approximately 6 liters. A sixth of a hin would be about 1 liter, a very meager daily ration for a person.
This interpretation fits perfectly with the surrounding context of Ezekiel 4, where the prophet is commanded to act out the coming siege of Jerusalem and the resulting famine and scarcity. The meticulous measurement of food (twenty shekels) and water (a sixth of a hin) emphasizes the severe deprivation the inhabitants would face.
Therefore, while the root meaning might be "to flow away" (perhaps implying a small, dribbling flow), in this unique biblical instance, "הַזָּרַב" functions as a technical term for a specific, very small quantity of water. It highlights the precise and limited nature of the sustenance available during the siege.
### Related Words & Concepts
Due to its singular occurrence and specialized contextual meaning, there are no direct Hebrew cognates that illuminate זָרַב (zârab) in the same way. However, we can explore related concepts:
* **Measures of Liquid:** The word is contextually linked to other Hebrew units of liquid measurement, such as the *hin* (`{{H2028}}`) and the *bath* (`{{H1324}}`), though it denotes a fraction thereof.
* **Scarcity and Thirst:** The context in Ezekiel directly relates to themes of scarcity, famine, and thirst experienced during a siege. Concepts like *ra'av* (hunger, famine, `{{H7458}}`) and *tsama'* (thirst, `{{H6772}}`) are closely associated.
* **Flowing and Draining:** If the root meaning "to flow away" is maintained, it could be broadly related to verbs describing the movement of water, such as *nazal* (to flow, trickle, `{{H5140}}`) or *shalaph* (to draw out, as water, `{{H7971}}`). However, its specific use as a small measure suggests a more technical, rather than descriptive, function.
* **Divine Judgment:** The entire chapter of Ezekiel 4 is a prophetic act symbolizing divine judgment. The "zarab" of water is a tangible manifestation of the severity of this judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of זָרַב (zârab) is not found in the word itself as an isolated lexical item, but rather in its specific and unique contextual appearance within the prophetic book of Ezekiel.
1. **Symbol of Severe Judgment:** The precise, meager ration of water (a "zarab") is a powerful symbol of the extreme deprivation and suffering that God's people would endure during the siege of Jerusalem. It underscores the severity of God's judgment against their idolatry and rebellion. This scarcity is a direct consequence of their sin, demonstrating that God's covenant curses (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 28:48]]) would indeed come to pass.
2. **Prophetic Obedience and Identification:** Ezekiel's meticulous adherence to God's command to consume such a minimal, measured amount of water (and food) highlights his complete obedience as a prophet. By personally experiencing this hardship, he embodies the suffering of his people, making the prophetic message all the more potent and immediate. His act serves as a visual sermon, a living parable of impending doom.
3. **God's Sovereignty and Precision:** The command for such precise measurement, even down to a "zarab" of water, illustrates God's meticulous control over all aspects of life, including sustenance. It shows that judgment is not arbitrary but meted out with divine precision, proportional to the iniquity. Even the smallest details of their suffering are ordained by God.
In essence, the "zarab" of water transforms from a mere unit of measure into a potent symbol of divine justice, human suffering, and the prophet's unwavering commitment to his calling.
### Summary
The Hebrew word זָרַב (zârab), Strong's H2215, is a primitive root defined as "to flow away" or "to wax warm." Its singular occurrence in the Hebrew Bible, found in [[Ezekiel 4:10]], presents a unique challenge for interpretation. In this context, "הַזָּרַב" is overwhelmingly understood by scholars and ancient translations (like the Septuagint) as a specific, very small measure of liquid, equivalent to a sixth of a hin. This interpretation aligns perfectly with the passage's theme of extreme scarcity and meticulous rationing during the impending siege of Jerusalem.
The theological significance of זָרַב, therefore, derives from its role in this prophetic action. It serves as a stark symbol of God's severe judgment on Jerusalem, the dire consequences of sin, and the prophet Ezekiel's obedient identification with the suffering of his people. Though a rare word, its presence underscores the precise and comprehensive nature of God's dealings with humanity, even down to the most minuscule measure of daily sustenance.
TRV