זָוִית
𐤆𐤅𐤉𐤕
zâvîyth
H2106 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A corner, especially of a structure; in architectural contexts, the projecting angle or corner of a building, and by extension, the cornerstone or foundational stone placed at such a corner. It may also designate a prominent or key person, especially in a figurative sense, drawing on the image of structural support or significance.
Semantic Range
corner (of a structure), angle, architectural projection, foundation stone, cornerstone (literal or metaphorical), prominent or principal position or person (metaphorical)
Root / Etymology
Root: זו"ת (זית), but likely connected to the root זו"ו (זִו) meaning 'brightness, splendor, prominence.' זָוִית is formed as a feminine noun indicating that which is prominent or projects, particularly a physical angle or corner. The word's derivation emphasizes 'projection' or 'prominence.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical usage, זָוִית most commonly refers to the corner or angle of a physical structure such as a building or altar. In poetic or metaphorical contexts (such as in prophetic or wisdom literature), it can refer to the cornerstone (the chief or foundational stone of a structure), and occasionally by extension, to a principal person or leader. English translations sometimes render זָוִית as 'corner' or 'cornerstone;' however, 'cornerstone' may reflect later interpretive traditions rather than the term's basic architectural reference. In Second Temple and later periods, the semantic range may expand, but in the Hebrew Bible, the reference generally remains architectural or structural.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
apparently from the same root as זִו (in the sense of prominence); an angle (as projecting), i.e. (by implication) a corner-column (or anta); corner(stone).
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
זוו (z-w-w) — prominence, projection, shining
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2106-01 |
כְּ/זָוִיּ֖וֹת | kezaviot | HR/Ncfpa |
like the corners | like projecting corners | 1 |
H2106-02 |
כְ/זָוִיֹּ֑ת | khezaviyot | HR/Ncfpa |
like corner stones | like projecting corners | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2106-01 |
Zechariah 9:15 | כְּ/זָוִיּ֖וֹת | kezaviot | HR/Ncfpa |
like the corners | like projecting corners |
H2106-02 |
Psalms 144:12 | כְ/זָוִיֹּ֑ת | khezaviyot | HR/Ncfpa |
like corner stones | like projecting corners |