זָנַק
𐤆𐤍𐤒
zânaq
H2187 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To leap or spring forward, especially in the manner of an animal about to pounce or dart; in some contexts, to jump or make a swift, sudden movement. The word often denotes a rapid, decisive, or aggressive motion, whether literal (an animal springing) or metaphorical (a person rushing or surging forward).
Semantic Range
to leap, spring forward, dart (as an animal or person), surge forward, rush, pounce
Root / Etymology
Root זנק (z-n-q). The root conveys the basic idea of a forceful, sudden movement, especially springing or leaping. The verb form is built from this root and denotes the action of leaping or springing. The wider semitic cognates are limited, and the derivation is based on internal Hebrew usage.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb זָנַק is relatively rare in the Hebrew Bible, with attestations mostly in poetic or metaphorical contexts. In ancient Israelite literature, it is used to describe not only the physical motion of animals, such as leaping or pouncing, but also metaphorically to depict a sudden movement of people or forces, as in warriors rushing into battle. Compared with more common terms for jumping (e.g., פָּסַח, dalag), זָנַק carries a particular nuance of aggressive or predatory movement. English translations often use 'leap,' 'spring,' or 'jump,' but these may not fully communicate the animalistic or martial undertones of the word. The term does not have wide distribution outside poetry, and is typically absent from prose narrative, indicating a specialized or stylized use.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; properly, to draw together the feet (as an animal about to dart upon its prey), i.e. to spring forward; leap.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
זנק (z-n-q) — to leap, to spring, to dart forward
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2131 | זִיקָה | sparks of fire |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2187-01 |
יְזַנֵּ֖ק | yezaneq | HVpi3ms |
leaps | he forcefully springs forward | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2187-01 |
Deuteronomy 33:22 | יְזַנֵּ֖ק | yezaneq | HVpi3ms |
leaps | he forcefully springs forward |