from זָרָה; the spread of the fingers, i.e. a span; span.
Transliteration:zereth
Pronunciation:zeh'-reth
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term זֶרֶת (`{{H2239}}`, *zereth*) derives from the root זָרָה (`{{H2219}}`), meaning "to scatter" or "to spread." This etymological connection is crucial, as *zereth* specifically denotes a unit of measurement derived from the "spreading" of the fingers: the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is fully extended. This measurement is commonly known as a "span." In ancient Near Eastern metrology, a span was approximately half a cubit (אֶמָּה, `{{H520}}`), or about 9 inches (22.5 cm). Its semantic range is quite narrow, primarily functioning as a precise linear measurement, yet its metaphorical usage in prophetic literature expands its theological import.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word זֶרֶת (`{{H2239}}`) appears three times in the Hebrew Bible, each instance offering significant insight into its usage and theological implications.
1. **[[Exodus 28:16]]**: In the detailed instructions for crafting the sacred priestly garments, the breastplate (חֹשֶׁן, *choshen*) is specified to be "a span long and a span wide." This precise dimension underscores the divine command for exactitude and order in the construction of items related to worship and the representation of God's covenant people. The use of *zereth* here emphasizes the meticulousness required for sacred objects, reflecting the holy character of God.
2. **[[Exodus 39:9]]**: This verse reiterates the dimensions of the breastplate during the account of its actual construction by skilled artisans. "It was square; they made the breastpiece a span long and a span wide when folded double." This repetition reinforces the importance of adhering precisely to the divinely revealed specifications, highlighting the faithfulness of the craftsmen in executing God's will.
3. **[[Isaiah 40:12]]**: This is perhaps the most profound usage of *zereth*. In a majestic passage exalting God's incomparable power and wisdom as Creator, the prophet asks, "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and marked off the heavens with a span (וְשָׁמַיִם בַּזֶּרֶת תִּכֵּן), and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in a scale, and the hills in a balance?" Here, *zereth* is employed metaphorically. It portrays God effortlessly encompassing and measuring the vastness of the heavens with a mere "span" of His hand. This contrasts the immense scale of creation with the even greater, incomprehensible scale of the Creator's power and being.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for זֶרֶת (`{{H2239}}`) is its root, זָרָה (`{{H2219}}`), which conveys the idea of "spreading out" or "scattering." This directly relates to the physical act of spreading the fingers to form a span. Other related measurement terms in the Hebrew Bible include:
* אָמָּה (`{{H520}}`, *ammah*), "cubit," which is approximately twice the length of a span.
* טֶפַח (`{{H2947}}`, *tephach*), "handbreadth," a smaller unit of measurement.
Conceptually, *zereth* connects to themes of:
* **Divine Precision and Order**: Particularly in the context of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, where exact measurements were divinely mandated.
* **Divine Omnipotence and Sovereignty**: As seen in Isaiah, where God's "span" signifies His absolute control and effortless mastery over the cosmos.
* **Creation and Cosmology**: The act of God measuring the heavens by His span speaks to His role as the architect and sustainer of the universe.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of זֶרֶת (`{{H2239}}`) is twofold, reflecting its distinct contexts in Exodus and Isaiah.
In the context of the Tabernacle in Exodus, *zereth* underscores God's demand for **holiness, order, and precision** in worship and sacred service. The exact dimensions of the breastplate, a garment representing the tribes of Israel before God, signify that God's presence and the means of approaching Him are not arbitrary but are governed by divine design and meticulous standards. This speaks to the seriousness with which God views His covenant relationship and the necessity of human obedience to His revealed will.
In Isaiah 40:12, the word elevates to a profound declaration of **God's transcendent power and majesty**. To say that God "marked off the heavens with a span" is to assert His effortless sovereignty over all creation. It is a rhetorical question designed to humble human pride and underscore the incomparable greatness of Yahweh. The vastness of the cosmos, which is immeasurable to humanity, is but a small, manageable measure for the Creator. This imagery powerfully conveys God's omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscient control over every detail of the universe, contrasting the finite capacity of humanity with the infinite capacity of God. It serves as a source of comfort and assurance for those who trust in such a mighty God, especially in times of national distress, as was the context for Isaiah's prophecy.
### Summary
The Hebrew word זֶרֶת (`{{H2239}}`, *zereth*), meaning "span," is a unit of measurement derived from the spreading of the fingers. Its limited but significant occurrences in the biblical text reveal a dual theological import. In Exodus, its use in describing the breastplate emphasizes God's demand for **precision, order, and holiness** in the construction of sacred objects and the execution of divine commands. In the majestic poetry of Isaiah 40:12, *zereth* transcends its literal meaning to become a powerful metaphor for God's **immeasurable power, effortless sovereignty, and absolute control** over the vastness of creation. It serves to highlight the infinite disparity between human limitations and the boundless might of the Creator, reminding us that the God who measures the heavens with a mere span of His hand is indeed incomparable and worthy of all worship and trust.
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