זָרַח

zârach /zaw-rakh'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root · properly, to irradiate (or shoot forth beams), i.e. to rise (as the sun)
Meaningspecifically, to appear (as a symptom of leprosy)
KJV usagearise, rise (up), as soon as it is up.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word zârach, represented by H2224, is a primitive root meaning to irradiate or shoot forth beams. It is primarily used to describe the rising of the sun, but also the appearance of light, glory, or even symptoms of disease. It appears 18 times across 17 unique verses, often illustrating a dawning or sudden manifestation.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical narratives, H2224 is most frequently used to describe the literal rising of the sun, marking the start of a new day or a significant event. This can be seen in the daily cycle described in Ecclesiastes, where "The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down" Ecclesiastes 1:5. It also marks pivotal moments, such as when the sun "rose" upon Jacob after his struggle at Penuel Genesis 32:31. Figuratively, the word is used for the dawning of divine light and glory, as in Isaiah's prophecy: "the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee" Isaiah 60:1. In a unique medical context, it describes the outbreak of leprosy that "rose up" on King Uzziah's forehead as a sign of judgment 2 Chronicles 26:19.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words illuminate the concept of dawning and appearance:

  • H8121 shemesh (sun): This word for the sun is the object that most often performs the action of zârach. It appears in contexts describing the literal sunrise 2 Samuel 23:4 and prophetically as the "Sun of righteousness" that will arise Malachi 4:2.
  • H216 'ôwr (light): As the result of something rising or shining, 'ôwr is often paired with zârach. For the righteous, light H216 "ariseth in the darkness" Psalms 112:4, and for the obedient, their "light rise in obscurity" Isaiah 58:10.
  • H3519 kâbôwd (glory): This term for splendor and honor is used to describe the divine presence. The Lord's glory is what is said to have "risen" upon His people, promising a new era of divine favor and visibility (Isaiah 60:1, Isaiah 60:2).

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H2224 is seen in its progression from the natural to the supernatural.

  • Natural Order and Revelation: The word is grounded in the dependable cycle of creation, where the sun rises each morning H1242 to give light H216 2 Samuel 23:4. This establishes a pattern of reliability and order.
  • The Dawn of Divine Presence: Zârach is used to describe God's own glorious appearing. In His covenant with Israel, the LORD "rose up from Seir" and "shined forth from mount Paran" Deuteronomy 33:2. In Isaiah, the LORD Himself promises to arise upon His people Isaiah 60:2.
  • Hope and Righteousness: The concept of rising light becomes a powerful metaphor for salvation and hope. It is promised that a "Sun of righteousness" will arise with healing Malachi 4:2, and that for the upright, light H216 "ariseth in the darkness" Psalms 112:4.

Summary

In summary, H2224 is a dynamic word that captures the essence of a new dawning. While its foundation is the literal rising of the sun, it expands to become a profound theological term describing the manifestation of God's glory H3519, the arrival of righteousness, and the ultimate hope of healing and salvation. It illustrates how a simple, natural event can powerfully symbolize the breaking forth of divine light into a world of darkness.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 18 occurrences, inflected in 9 grammatical forms.

  • Qal Perfect 3rd Singular Feminine 4×
  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 3×
  • Qal Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 3×
  • Qal Consecutive Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Qal Infinitive Construct 2×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Consecutive Perfect 3rd Singular Feminine 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Singular Feminine 1×
  • Qal Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 1×
Singular
One.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 17 verses across 14 books. Most frequent in Isaiah (3 verses).

1
Genesis
1
Exodus
1
Deuteronomy
1
Judges
1
2 Samuel
1
2 Kings
1
2 Chronicles
1
Job
2
Psalms
1
Ecclesiastes
3
Isaiah
1
Jonah
1
Nahum
1
Malachi

Verse Explorer

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