זְעֵיר
𐤆𐤏𐤉𐤓
zᵉʻêyr
H2192 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
An adjective meaning 'small' or 'little' in size, quantity, degree, or importance. Primarily used to describe something diminutive, modest, or slight, whether referencing physical dimension, age, duration, or figurative significance. In context, can refer to a person who is young or of lower rank, to brief amounts of time, or to minor qualities.
Semantic Range
small in size, little in quantity, modest in degree, of low rank or status, short in duration, young (of age); slight, insignificant
Root / Etymology
Root/Etymology: Derived from the root זער, meaning 'to be small' or 'to diminish.' Morphologically, זְעֵיר is the masculine singular absolute form of the adjective in Aramaic, closely related to its Hebrew cognate צָעִיר (tsaʻir), and likely of Northwest Semitic origin. The form is characteristic of Biblical Aramaic, found in later Old Testament texts.
Historical & Contextual Notes
This adjective appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible (e.g., Daniel 7:8, 7:20), where it functions to contrast something minor with something greater—such as a little horn versus greater horns in Daniel's prophetic vision. Its usage highlights nuances of modesty, minority, or comparative inferiority—whether of size, age, rank, or duration. Cognate to Hebrew צָעִיר, but restricted in Hebrew Bible usage to Aramaic passages. In translation, English 'small,' 'little,' or 'young' can capture primary nuances but may not always convey distinctions of social or contextual rank implicit in some settings. Unlike Hebrew קָטָן (qāṭān), typically used for physical smallness or insignificance, the Aramaic term can more fluidly indicate time ('a short while') or figurative/qualitative smallness. In post-biblical Aramaic, the term retains similar flexibility of use; however, its distinct form marks it as an Aramaic, not standard Biblical Hebrew, term. No theological or religious connotation is inherent in the word itself.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to זְעֵירxlit zeʻêyr corrected to zᵉʻêyr; {small}; little.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
זער (z-ʿ-r) — smallness, diminishment, insignificance
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2192-01 |
זְעֵירָה֙ | zeeyrah | AAafsa |
little | small | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2192-01 |
Daniel 7:8 | זְעֵירָה֙ | zeeyrah | AAafsa |
little | small |