or זֵרָעֹן; from זָרַע; something sown (only in the plural), i.e. a vegetable (as food); pulse.
Transliteration:zêrôaʻ
Pronunciation:zay-ro'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term זֵרֹעַ (zêrôaʻ, `{{H2235}}`), also appearing as זֵרָעֹן, derives from the root זָרַע (zāraʻ, `{{H2232}}`), meaning "to sow" or "to scatter seed." Consequently, זֵרֹעַ fundamentally denotes "something sown." Its semantic range is quite narrow, specifically referring to plant-based food that is grown from seeds, primarily vegetables or legumes. The base definition highlights its usage "only in the plural," indicating a collective sense of such food items. The English translation "pulse" accurately captures this meaning, referring to the edible seeds of certain leguminous plants (e.g., beans, lentils, chickpeas). Thus, זֵרֹרוֹעַ points to a specific category of cultivated plant food, distinct from grains or fruits, emphasizing its origin as something intentionally sown.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term זֵרֹרוֹעַ (zêrôaʻ, `{{H2235}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible exclusively in the book of Daniel, specifically in the context of the dietary choices made by Daniel and his companions during their time in Babylon. The most prominent occurrence is in [[Daniel 1:12]] and [[Daniel 1:16]].
In [[Daniel 1:12]], Daniel requests of the steward, "Please test your servants for ten days; let us be given זֵרֹרוֹעַ (zêrôaʻ) to eat and water to drink." This request is made in contrast to the rich food and wine from the king's table, which Daniel and his friends considered defiling. The term here clearly refers to a simple, plant-based diet, likely consisting of vegetables or legumes. The steward's agreement and the subsequent positive outcome—Daniel and his friends appearing healthier and better nourished than those who ate the king's food—underscore the sufficiency and purity of this diet.
[[Daniel 1:16]] reiterates this arrangement: "So the steward took away their portion of the king's food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them זֵרֹרוֹעַ (zêrôaʻ)." This confirms the sustained nature of their dietary choice. The repeated use of זֵרֹרוֹעַ in this narrative emphasizes a deliberate rejection of luxurious, potentially idolatrous or ritually unclean food, in favor of a simple, God-honoring diet. The precise nature of "pulse" is not elaborated, but it implies readily available, basic plant food.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for זֵרֹרוֹעַ (zêrôaʻ, `{{H2235}}`) is its root verb זָרַע (zāraʻ, `{{H2232}}`), "to sow" or "to scatter seed." This connection is crucial, as it defines זֵרֹרוֹעַ as something that is *sown*, highlighting its agricultural origin. Other related terms include:
* **זרע (zeraʻ, `{{H2233}}`):** This noun, also from the same root, means "seed," "offspring," or "descendants." While זֵרֹרוֹעַ refers to the *product* of sowing used as food, זֶרַע refers to the *means* of sowing or the *result* of procreation. The shared root emphasizes the concept of propagation and new life, whether agricultural or biological.
* **צֶמַח (tsemah, `{{H6780}}`):** Meaning "sprout" or "growth," this term broadly refers to vegetation. While זֵרֹרוֹעַ is specific to sown vegetables/legumes, צֶמַח is a more general term for plants.
* **יֶרֶק (yereq, `{{H3419}}`):** This word refers to "green herb" or "green vegetation," often used for fresh plants or vegetables. It overlaps semantically with זֵרֹרוֹעַ in the sense of plant-based food, but זֵרֹרוֹעַ specifically emphasizes the "sown" aspect, pointing to cultivated legumes or vegetables.
* **אֹכֶל (okel, `{{H400}}`):** A general term for "food." זֵרֹרוֹעַ is a specific *type* of אֹכֶל.
The concept of dietary purity and distinction, as seen in the Daniel narrative, links זֵרֹרוֹעַ to broader biblical themes concerning clean and unclean foods (e.g., Leviticus 11, Deuteronomy 14) and the importance of self-control and reliance on God's provision.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of זֵרֹרוֹעַ (zêrôaʻ, `{{H2235}}`) is primarily derived from its specific use in the book of Daniel. It serves as a powerful symbol of:
1. **Consecration and Purity:** Daniel and his friends chose זֵרֹרוֹעַ over the king's rich food as a deliberate act of consecration to God. This choice reflected a commitment to avoid defilement, whether from food offered to idols, food prepared in non-kosher ways, or simply the luxurious excess of a pagan court. It demonstrates a profound desire to maintain ritual and moral purity even in exile.
2. **Faith and Dependence on God:** By opting for a simple diet, Daniel and his companions expressed radical trust in God's ability to sustain them and grant them favor, even without the conventional means of royal provision. Their choice was a test of faith, and God honored it, demonstrating His sovereignty over physical well-being.
3. **Wisdom and Discernment:** The narrative highlights that their diet of "pulse" not only maintained their physical health but also contributed to their intellectual acuity, as they were found "ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters" ([[Daniel 1:20]]). This suggests a spiritual connection between physical discipline and divine wisdom.
4. **Simplicity and Humility:** The choice of זֵרֹרוֹעַ represents a rejection of worldly indulgence and an embrace of simplicity. It underscores the biblical principle that true strength and blessing come not from material abundance but from obedience and reliance on God.
5. **God's Provision:** Despite the simplicity of their diet, God ensured their well-being, demonstrating His faithfulness to those who honor Him. The "pulse" became a tangible sign of God's miraculous provision in a foreign land.
Thus, זֵרֹרוֹעַ transcends its literal meaning of "vegetables" or "legumes" to become a theological marker of spiritual integrity, divine favor, and the power of obedient faith in challenging circumstances.
### Summary
The Hebrew term זֵרֹרוֹעַ (zêrôaʻ, `{{H2235}}`), derived from the root "to sow," refers specifically to "something sown" for food, meaning vegetables or legumes, often translated as "pulse." Its usage in the Hebrew Bible is exclusively found in the book of Daniel, where it plays a pivotal role in the narrative of Daniel and his three friends. They chose to subsist on זֵרֹרוֹעַ and water instead of the king's rich, potentially defiling food. This dietary choice symbolizes their unwavering commitment to purity, their profound faith and dependence on God, and their spiritual wisdom. The positive outcome—their superior health and discernment—underscores God's blessing on their obedience. Beyond its literal meaning as a simple, plant-based food, זֵרֹרוֹעַ stands as a potent symbol of consecration, trust in divine provision, and the spiritual benefits of self-discipline and adherence to God's ways in a world that often tempts with indulgence.
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