זוּזִים
𐤆𐤅𐤆𐤉𐤌
Zuzim
H2104 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Proper name referring to a group or tribe identified as the 'Zuzim', an early inhabitants of the Transjordan region encountered by the patriarchal figure Abram. The term likely denotes a distinct people group, but the precise meaning and origins are uncertain. In context, used as an ethnonym for a non-Israelite (possibly pre-Amorite or pre-Moabite) community.
Semantic Range
Zuzim (as the name of an ancient people group), possibly prominent ones (by etymological association, though in practice used only as a proper noun in the Hebrew Bible)
Root / Etymology
The form זוּזִים is likely related to the root זיז (zîz), meaning 'to move' or a 'prominence' (as in something standing out or projecting), but the use as an ethnonym is unclear and may have no active connection to the verbal root. The word is constructed in the plural, which is typical for names of peoples in Hebrew.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The Zuzim appear only in Genesis 14:5, where they are listed among ancient peoples defeated by Kedorlaomer and his allies in the region of Ham, east of the Jordan. The text provides minimal information, and later biblical tradition does not elaborate on their identity. Some ancient interpreters equate them with the Zamzummim of Deuteronomy 2:20, but the evidence is inconclusive. English Bible translations typically transliterate the name directly as 'Zuzim', but at times have rendered it with ethnic generalizations or assumptions imported from later traditions. The plural form aligns with the convention of using collective plurals for people groups (cf. Rephaim, Emim), but does not necessarily imply a specific meaning beyond identifying the group.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
plural probably from the same as זִיז; prominent; Zuzites, an aboriginal tribe of Palestine; Zuzims.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
זיז (z-y-z) — to move, to project, to be prominent
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2123 | זִיז | conspicuous wild-creature |
| H2124 | זִיזָא | Shining-One |
| H2125 | זִיזָה | and Zizah |
| H3151 | יָזִיז | He-will-make-prominent |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2104-01 |
הַ/זּוּזִ֖ים | hazuzim | HTd/Ngmsa |
the Zuzim | the Zuzim | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2104-01 |
Genesis 14:5 | הַ/זּוּזִ֖ים | hazuzim | HTd/Ngmsa |
the Zuzim | the Zuzim |