from זָמַר; a tweezer (only in the plural); snuffers.
Transliteration:mᵉzammᵉrâh
Pronunciation:mez-am-mer-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word מְזַמְּרָה (mᵉzammᵉrâh, `{{H4212}}`) is a feminine plural noun derived from the verb זָמַר (zāmar, `{{H2167}}`). While זָמַר primarily means "to sing" or "to make music," it also carries a significant secondary meaning of "to prune" or "to trim" (especially vines). This latter sense is the direct etymological root for מְזַמְּרָה.
The core meaning of מְזַמְּרָה is "snuffers" or "tweezers," specifically an implement designed for trimming or removing excess material. Its usage is exclusively in the plural form, suggesting a tool used for multiple precise actions or for managing multiple wicks. In its biblical context, its semantic range is narrow, referring solely to the implements used for maintaining the lamps within the sacred space.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מְזַמְּרָה (`{{H4212}}`) appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently in the context of the furnishings of Solomon's Temple and its subsequent history. It is crucial to distinguish מְזַמְּרָה from מַלְקָחַיִם (malqachayim, `{{H4457}}`), which is also translated as "snuffers" but is used specifically for the Tabernacle in Exodus and Numbers. מְזַמְּרָה is reserved for the Temple.
1. [[1 Kings 7:50]]: This verse details the various gold articles Solomon made for the house of the Lord. מְזַמְּרָה is listed among the bowls, basins, dishes for incense, and firepans, all crafted from "pure gold." This places the snuffers among the most valuable and sacred vessels of the Temple.
2. [[2 Kings 12:13]] (MT 2 Kings 12:14): Here, it is noted that the money collected for repairing the Temple was *not* used to make new vessels like silver bowls, trumpets, or "snuffers." This emphasizes the high value and specific sacred function of these items, indicating they were distinct from common utensils and perhaps already present or only to be made from dedicated, special funds.
3. [[2 Chronicles 4:22]]: Parallel to [[1 Kings 7:50]], this verse reiterates the list of gold articles for the Temple, including מְזַמְּרָה. The consistent mention across these accounts underscores their importance as standard, essential furnishings for the Temple's operation.
4. [[Jeremiah 52:18]]: This passage recounts the plundering of the Temple by the Babylonians during the destruction of Jerusalem. מְזַמְּרָה is listed among the vessels of bronze and other precious materials that were carried away, signifying their status as valuable and consecrated items of the sanctuary.
In all occurrences, מְזַמְּרָה refers to the implements used for trimming the wicks of the Temple lamps, ensuring they burned cleanly and brightly. Their composition of pure gold highlights their sanctity and the meticulous care required in the divine service.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **זָמַר (zāmar, `{{H2167}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to prune" or "to trim." This connection directly informs the function of the snuffers—to trim away the burnt portions of the wicks.
* **מַלְקָחַיִם (malqachayim, `{{H4457}}`):** Another Hebrew word translated as "snuffers" or "tongs," used in the context of the Tabernacle ([[Exodus 25:38]], [[Exodus 37:23]], [[Numbers 4:9]]). While serving a similar function, the distinct lexical choice for the Temple (מְזַמְּרָה) may subtly emphasize the refined nature or specific design of the later implements.
* **מְנוֹרָה (mᵉnôrâh, `{{H4501}}`):** The lampstand, specifically the golden menorah in the Tabernacle and Temple. The מְזַמְּרָה were indispensable tools for maintaining the continuous light of this central sacred object.
* **Oil (שֶׁמֶן `{{H8081}}`) and Wick (פְּתִילָה `{{H6616}}`):** The essential components of the lamps, which the snuffers helped to manage, ensuring efficient burning and clear light.
* **Purity (טָהוֹר `{{H2889}}`) and Holiness (קֹדֶשׁ `{{H6944}}`):** The snuffers, being made of pure gold and used in the sacred service, embody the principles of purity and holiness demanded in all aspects of Temple worship.
### Theological Significance
Though a seemingly minor implement, מְזַמְּרָה carries profound theological significance:
1. **Maintenance of Divine Presence and Revelation:** The primary function of the snuffers was to ensure the continuous and clear burning of the Temple lamps. The light of the menorah symbolized God's perpetual presence among His people, His guidance, and His divine truth illuminating the path. The מְזַמְּרָה were thus vital instruments in maintaining this symbolic light, preventing it from dimming or becoming obscured by burnt wicks.
2. **Meticulousness in Worship:** The command to create specific tools like מְזַמְּרָה from pure gold for the Temple service underscores the divine expectation for meticulousness, precision, and excellence in all acts of worship. Every detail, no matter how small or seemingly mundane, was to be consecrated and performed with utmost care, reflecting the holiness of God. This teaches that true worship involves dedication and attention to every facet of our service to God.
3. **Removal of Impurity and Obstruction:** The act of trimming or "snuffing" involves removing the burnt, ineffective parts of the wick to allow the pure oil to nourish the flame more effectively. Metaphorically, this can represent the necessary process of spiritual purification—the removal of sin, spiritual deadness, or anything that hinders the clarity and brightness of our spiritual walk or communion with God. It speaks to the ongoing need for self-examination and repentance to ensure our lives shine brightly for God.
4. **Divine Provision for Service:** God not only commanded the sacred rituals and the construction of the Temple but also provided the specific, detailed means (like the מְזַמְּרָה) for their proper execution. This illustrates God's comprehensive provision for His people to fulfill their sacred duties, equipping them with all necessary tools for effective service.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מְזַמְּרָה (mᵉzammᵉrâh, `{{H4212}}`) refers to "snuffers" or "tweezers," deriving from the root זָמַר (zāmar, `{{H2167}}`), which includes the meaning "to trim" or "to prune." Distinct from the Tabernacle's "snuffers" (`{{H4457}}`), מְזַמְּרָה specifically designates the pure gold implements used in the Temple for trimming the wicks of the sacred lamps. Its occurrences in [[1 Kings 7:50]], [[2 Kings 12:13]], [[2 Chronicles 4:22]], and [[Jeremiah 52:18]] consistently list it among the valuable and consecrated vessels essential for Temple service. Theologically, מְזַמְּרָה symbolizes the divine call for meticulousness in worship, the necessary removal of spiritual impurities to maintain the clarity and brilliance of God's revealed presence, and God's comprehensive provision for His people's sacred duties. These humble tools thus point to profound truths about the nature of divine service and the continuous need for spiritual maintenance.
TRV