זָמָם
𐤆𐤌𐤌
zâmâm
H2162 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An intention, scheme, or plan, particularly one with a negative or harmful connotation; a device or plot designed to cause harm or achieve a wrongful end. Used primarily to describe deliberate plans or machinations, often of a hostile or deceitful nature.
Semantic Range
wicked scheme, harmful plot, evil device, malicious intention, plan of wrongdoing
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root זָמַם (z-m-m), meaning 'to plan, purpose, devise.' The noun form זָמָם is a concrete noun referring to the plan or device itself, usually with negative connotations.
Historical & Contextual Notes
זָמָם is consistently used in biblical Hebrew for hostile intentions—never positive schemes—and generally refers to plots or devices intended to ensnare, harm, or deceive others. It appears almost exclusively in poetic or wisdom literature (e.g., Psalms, Proverbs, Job), where it is associated with the actions of the wicked or adversaries. This term is stronger than more neutral words for 'plan' (such as עֵצָה), emphasizing malice or evil intent. Standard English translations often render it as 'plot,' 'device,' or 'scheme,' but these may not fully express the term's inherent negativity in Hebrew context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from זָמַם; a plot; wicked device.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
זמם (z-m-m) — to plan, purpose, devise
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2154 | זִמָּה | the wicked scheme |
| H2155 | זִמָּה | premeditated wicked scheme |
| H2157 | זַמְזֹם | Zamzummites |
| H2161 | זָמַם | they scheme |
| H4209 | מְזִמָּה | in deliberate plans |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2162-01 |
זְמָמ֥/וֹ | zemamo | HNcmsc/Sp3ms |
his plans | his malicious scheme | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2162-01 |
Psalms 140:9 | זְמָמ֥/וֹ | zemamo | HNcmsc/Sp3ms |
his plans | his malicious scheme |