### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **zirmâh**, represented by `{{H2231}}`, is a term for a **gushing of fluid (semen); issue**. As the feminine form of a word meaning "a gushing," it appears **2 times** across **1 unique verses** in the Bible. Its usage is highly specific and confined to a single, powerful prophetic image.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole context for `{{H2231}}` is in the prophet Ezekiel's allegory of the two unfaithful sisters, Aholah and Aholibah, who represent Samaria and Jerusalem. In a moment of stark condemnation, the prophet describes Aholibah's lustful pursuit of foreign alliances, stating, "For she doted upon their paramours, whose flesh is as the flesh of asses, and whose **issue** is like the **issue** of horses" [[Ezekiel 23:20]]. Here, **zirmâh** is used to convey a sense of unrestrained and vulgar passion, likening Judah's spiritual adultery to base, animalistic behavior.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H2231}}` is intensified by the surrounding words in its only appearance:
* `{{H5689}}` **ʻăgab** (to love (sensually); dote, lover): This verb sets the stage, describing the obsessive and illicit desire that defines the spiritual unfaithfulness being condemned [[Ezekiel 23:20]]. The doting is directed at forbidden partners.
* `{{H6370}}` **pîylegesh** (a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour): This identifies the objects of the illicit desire. While often meaning a concubine, here it is used in its masculine form for "paramours" [[Ezekiel 23:20]].
* `{{H1320}}` **bâsâr** (flesh; by extension, body, person): This word is used to describe the paramours in a purely physical and carnal sense, reducing them to their "flesh" as part of a crude comparison [[Ezekiel 23:20]].
* `{{H2543}}` **chămôwr** (a male ass): The flesh of the paramours is compared to that of an **ass**, a comparison used to emphasize the gross and shameless nature of the lust [[Ezekiel 23:20]].
* `{{H5483}}` **çûwç** (a horse): The **issue** (zirmâh) is directly likened to that of a **horse**, an animal often associated with strength and passion, to depict the immense and uncontrolled nature of the sin.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2231}}` is derived entirely from its metaphorical use in prophecy.
* **Symbol of Extreme Sin:** The word is employed by Ezekiel to create a shocking and offensive image. This is intentional, designed to confront Judah with the true nature of its idolatry and reliance on foreign powers in the eyes of God.
* **Condemnation of Unrestrained Passion:** By linking the **issue** to horses `{{H5483}}` and the paramours' flesh `{{H1320}}` to asses `{{H2543}}`, the prophecy condemns a desire that has become animalistic and devoid of covenant faithfulness. The act of "doting" `{{H5689}}` is shown to lead to this debased state.
* **Justification for Judgment:** The use of such visceral language serves to justify the severity of the divine judgment prophesied against Jerusalem. The graphic nature of the sin calls for an equally stark response from a holy God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2231}}` is a rare and highly specific term. It is not used for general discussion but is reserved for a single, potent metaphor in [[Ezekiel 23:20]]. Its purpose is to illustrate the depths of spiritual adultery by using the graphic language of unrestrained physical lust. The word's meaning is inseparable from its context, serving as a key component in one of scripture's most jarring prophetic condemnations.
TRV