a primitive root; to gush (as water); carry away as with a flood, pour out.
Transliteration:zâram
Pronunciation:zaw-ram'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word זָרַם (zâram), Strong's number `{{H2229}}`, is a primitive root signifying a forceful, abundant outflow, primarily of water. Its core meaning encompasses the act "to gush" or "to pour out" with intensity. This vivid imagery extends to the consequence of such a powerful flow: "to carry away as with a flood." The semantic range thus covers both the dynamic action of a powerful current and the overwhelming effect of being swept away by it. It implies an irresistible force, often with connotations of volume and speed, capable of significant impact or even destruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb זָרַם (zâram) itself is rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in only two instances, yet its impact is profound. The root also gives rise to the frequently occurring noun זֶרֶם (zerem, `{{H2230}}`), which means "a gushing rain," "torrent," or "flood," and is crucial for understanding the full semantic scope of the root.
1. **[[Psalm 77:17]] (MT 77:18)**: "The clouds poured out water; the skies thundered; your arrows flashed back and forth." Here, זָרַם describes the action of clouds "pouring out" water during a powerful storm. This context places the word within a description of a divine manifestation, where God's power is revealed through natural phenomena. The gushing of water from the heavens is depicted as an act of God, demonstrating His control over creation and His awesome might.
2. **[[Psalm 90:5]]**: "You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning." This is a particularly poignant usage. In this lament of Moses, זָרַם is employed metaphorically to describe God's action in ending human life. God "sweeps away" generations of humanity as an irresistible flood carries away everything in its path. This verse underscores the brevity and frailty of human existence in stark contrast to the eternal nature of God. The image is one of overwhelming power, leading to mortality.
The derived noun זֶרֶם (zerem, `{{H2230}}`) further illuminates the root's meaning, frequently appearing in contexts of overwhelming force, often associated with divine judgment or adversity. Examples include [[Isaiah 25:4]] ("a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall"), [[Isaiah 28:2]] ("a devastating storm of hail, a destroying tempest"), and [[Nahum 1:8]] ("with an overflowing flood He will make a complete end of its place"). These instances reinforce the idea of an irresistible, often destructive, surge.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of forceful flow and its consequences connects זָרַם to several other Hebrew terms:
* **Water and Flow:**
* `{{H4325}}` (mayim): general term for "water."
* `{{H5104}}` (nahar): "river," often implying a strong current.
* `{{H7836}}` (shataph): "to overflow," "to wash away," "to flood," sharing a strong semantic overlap in terms of overwhelming flow.
* **Destruction and Judgment:**
* `{{H2040}}` (haras): "to break down," "to destroy," often the result of overwhelming forces.
* `{{H6530}}` (perets): "breach," "bursting forth," conveying a sudden, forceful breaking.
* The broader biblical theme of the "flood" (e.g., the Noahic flood, though using different vocabulary) resonates with the "sweeping away" aspect of זָרַם, representing divine judgment and cleansing.
* **Transience and Mortality:**
* Concepts related to the brevity of life, dust, and fading away, as seen in [[Psalm 90:5]]'s pairing of being swept away with being like a dream or fading grass.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of זָרַם is multifaceted, highlighting aspects of divine power, judgment, and the human condition.
1. **Divine Power and Sovereignty:** In [[Psalm 77:17]], זָרַם depicts God's majestic control over creation, particularly the elements of a storm. It underscores that even the most powerful natural phenomena are instruments of His will, demonstrating His unchallengeable sovereignty.
2. **Divine Judgment and Overwhelming Force:** While the verb itself is not directly used for the Noahic flood, the imagery of "carrying away as with a flood" (as in the derived noun `{{H2230}}`) is consistently linked to divine judgment and overwhelming, irresistible force against wickedness or opposition. This reflects God's justice and His ability to bring about His purposes through powerful means.
3. **Human Frailty and Mortality:** [[Psalm 90:5]] offers a profound theological insight into the human condition. God "sweeps away" generations, vividly illustrating the transient and fragile nature of human life. This emphasizes the stark contrast between humanity's fleeting existence and God's eternal, unchanging being. It serves as a stark reminder of dependence on God and the brevity of earthly life.
4. **Divine Providence:** Even in its manifestations of power and judgment, the action implied by זָרַם is always under divine control. It speaks to a God who is active in His creation and in the lives of His people, whether in bringing life-sustaining rain or in demonstrating the ultimate end of human striving apart from Him.
### Summary
The Hebrew root זָרַם (zâram, `{{H2229}}`) fundamentally denotes a forceful, abundant gushing or pouring, particularly of water, leading to the effect of being carried away as by a flood. Though the verb itself appears rarely (e.g., [[Psalm 77:17]] describing clouds "pouring out" water and [[Psalm 90:5]] depicting God "sweeping away" humanity), its derived noun זֶרֶם (zerem, `{{H2230}}`) frequently portrays overwhelming torrents or storms, often as instruments of divine judgment. Theologically, זָרַם powerfully communicates God's absolute sovereignty and immense power over creation and humanity, His capacity for judgment, and the profound fragility and transience of human life in contrast to His eternal nature. It evokes a vivid image of irresistible force, whether in nature or in divine action.
TRV