The Hebrew word zarzîyr, represented by H2223, is understood to mean a greyhound or a similar fleet animal. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. The word's base definition comes from a root suggesting something "tightly girt," which points to an animal that is slender in the waist and built for speed, like a racer.
The single biblical appearance of H2223 is in Proverbs 30:31. Here, it is used in a descriptive list of admirable things. The verse identifies the zarzîyr as a greyhound, placing it alongside a he-goat and a powerful king. The full text of the verse reads: "A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up" Proverbs 30:31. This context uses the animal as an example of something with a notably impressive and confident nature.
Several related words appear alongside H2223 in its only context, providing a fuller picture of the imagery in Proverbs 30:31:
- H4975 môthen (the loins): This word is used with H2223 to form the phrase translated as greyhound. It refers to the waist or loins and is often associated with being girded for action or readiness, as seen in the command to "gird up thy loins" Jeremiah 1:17.
- H8495 tayish (he goat): This word for a buck or he-goat is the second item in the list. It is used elsewhere to denote livestock wealth, such as the he goats Jacob set aside as a gift Genesis 32:14.
- H4428 melek (a king): The final figure in the Proverb's list is a king. This term is central to concepts of leadership and divine authority throughout scripture, as when the LORD is called the King of Israel Isaiah 44:6.
- H510 ʼalqûwm (no rising up): This unique word, appearing only once, is used to describe the king in the list. Its definition as "a non-rising (i.e. resistlessness)" emphasizes the king's unchallengeable authority Proverbs 30:31.
While H2223 itself is not a major theological term, its placement in scripture gives it conceptual weight.
- Symbol of Stature: The zarzîyr is included in a select list that also features a he goat H8495 and a king H4428, suggesting it represents a model of impressive movement or dignified bearing Proverbs 30:31.
- Readiness and Agility: The underlying meaning of "tightly girt" connects to the physical state of being prepared. This concept is mirrored in the use of the related word for loins H4975, which are girded for readiness and action 1 Kings 18:46.
- Association with Unstoppable Progress: The list culminates with "a king, against whom there is no rising up H510" Proverbs 30:31. By being included in this company, the zarzîyr becomes symbolic of unimpeded, confident forward movement.
In summary, H2223 zarzîyr refers to a greyhound or a swift, girt animal. Though it appears only once, its context in Proverbs 30:31 is significant. It is presented as an example of impressive stature, alongside a he-goat and an unopposed king. The word, therefore, contributes to a powerful biblical image of dignity, readiness, and unstoppable forward momentum.
TRV