### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **zêrûwaʻ**, represented by `{{H2221}}`, refers to **something sown** or a plant. Derived from the root verb **zâraʻ** `{{H2232}}`, meaning "to sow," it appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**. Its meaning encompasses both the act of sowing and the resulting plant that is sown.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two uses of `{{H2221}}` demonstrate its application in both literal and figurative contexts. In Leviticus, it is used in a legal sense concerning ritual purity, where a "sowing{H2221} seed{H2233}" remains clean even if a carcase{H5038} falls upon it [[Leviticus 11:37]]. In contrast, Isaiah employs the term poetically, comparing the way a garden{H1593} causes "the things that are sown{H2221}" to spring forth{H6779} with how the Lord{H136} GOD{H3069} will cause righteousness and praise to flourish [[Isaiah 61:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the agricultural and theological imagery associated with `{{H2221}}`:
* `{{H2232}}` **zâraʻ**: This is the primitive root meaning **to sow**. It is used both literally, as when Isaac "sowed{H2232} in that land" [[Genesis 26:12]], and figuratively, as in the command to "Sow{H2232} to yourselves in righteousness{H6666}" [[Hosea 10:12]].
* `{{H2233}}` **zeraʻ**: This word for **seed** or posterity appears alongside `{{H2221}}` in [[Leviticus 11:37]]. It is foundational to promises of descendants and spiritual lineage, such as the promise concerning the "seed{H2233}" of the woman in [[Genesis 3:15]].
* `{{H6779}}` **tsâmach**: Meaning **to sprout** or spring forth, this verb describes the result of what is sown. In [[Isaiah 61:11]], it is used for both the plants in a garden and for the righteousness God causes to emerge.
* `{{H6780}}` **tsemach**: This noun for a **bud** or **branch** is used in parallel with `{{H2221}}` in [[Isaiah 61:11]]. It often carries messianic weight, as when God promises to raise up a righteous "Branch{H6780}" to David [[Jeremiah 23:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2221}}` is seen in its two distinct applications.
* **Principle of Enduring Life:** [[Leviticus 11:37]] establishes a legal principle where a "sowing{H2221} seed{H2233}" is not defiled by contact with a carcase{H5038}, suggesting a divine protection over the potential for life contained within the seed.
* **Analogy of Divine Action:** In [[Isaiah 61:11]], the natural process of "the things that are sown{H2221}" sprouting in a garden{H1593} becomes a powerful metaphor for the certainty and visibility of God's redemptive work.
* **Source of Spiritual Fruit:** The word is used figuratively to illustrate how the Lord{H136} GOD{H3069} will cause righteousness{H6666} and praise{H8416} to "spring forth{H6779}" before all nations{H1471}, linking the agricultural act to the spiritual harvest God produces.
### Summary
In summary, **zêrûwaʻ** `{{H2221}}`, though rare, provides a specific and potent image. It moves from a literal designation for "sowing seed" within Mosaic law to a powerful prophetic metaphor. It illustrates how God's work of bringing forth righteousness and praise is as certain and natural as a plant springing from the earth, grounding abstract theological promises in the tangible world of agriculture.
TRV