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זֶרֶד

𐤆𐤓𐤃

Zered

H2218 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Proper noun designating a wadi (seasonal ravine or brook), specifically referring to a watercourse or its valley – the Zered, located east of the Dead Sea. The meaning of the name is uncertain, but may convey an association with luxuriance or abundant growth, possibly referencing the natural vegetation along the stream. In biblical narrative, it serves as a geographic marker significant for Israelite itineraries in the wilderness journey.

Semantic Range

wadi, brook, ravine; proper noun: a specific watercourse/valley east of the Dead Sea (Zered)

Root / Etymology

Root and etymology uncertain. Strong’s suggested an association with an unused root for 'to be exuberant in growth' but no attested Hebrew root זרד with this meaning exists elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible. The formation suggests a noun, likely of geographic or descriptive origin, but a definitive root cannot be identified.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Zered appears in the biblical narrative (Num 21:12; Deut 2:13–14) as the boundary at which the Israelites crossed during their wilderness wanderings, demarcating a transition point in their journey east of the Dead Sea. The corresponding location is typically identified with the modern Wadi al-Hasa in southern Jordan. The consonantal spelling indicates a proper place-name, not a common noun or descriptor. The name Zered is used exclusively for this location and not as a general term for a stream. While many English translations opt for 'brook Zered,' the Hebrew indicates a specific valley or ravine rather than a perennial river, reflecting the semi-arid geography of the region. In some traditions and translations the form 'Zared' occurs due to alternate vocalization, but the Hebrew consistently preserves the spelling זֶרֶד.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from an unused root meaning to be exuberant in growth; lined with shrubbery; Zered, a brook East of the Dead Sea; Zared, Zered.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

זרד (uncertain) (z-r-d (uncertain)) — uncertain; possibly luxuriance, abundant growth (unattested)

Root uncertain uncertain; possibly 'to be exuberant, luxuriant' (unattested)

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H2218-01 זָֽרֶד zared HNp Zered Zered Wadi Zered 3
H2218-02 זֶ֔רֶד zered HNp Zered Zered Wadi Zered 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H2218-01 Numbers 21:12 זָֽרֶד zared HNp Zered Zered Wadi Zered
H2218-01 Deuteronomy 2:13 זָ֑רֶד zared HNp Zered Zered Wadi Zered
H2218-01 Deuteronomy 2:13 זָֽרֶד zared-2 HNp Zered Zered Wadi Zered
H2218-02 Deuteronomy 2:14 זֶ֔רֶד zered HNp Zered Zered Wadi Zered
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