זַרְזִיף
𐤆𐤓𐤆𐤉𐤐
zarzîyph
H2222 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A stream or gush, typically of water; especially a sudden downpour or heavy rain. The term denotes a forceful or concentrated flow in both literal (rain, watercourses) and, on rare occasions, figurative contexts (e.g., an outpouring).
Semantic Range
stream of water, pouring rain, downpour, heavy shower; figuratively, any outpouring or gush (rare)
Root / Etymology
Root: זָרַף or an unattested root z-r-p/ז-ר-ף, meaning 'to flow, pour.' The term appears to be an Aramaism or secondary formation with reduplication (zarzîyph). The relationship to known Hebrew or Aramaic roots meaning 'to pour' or 'to flow' is suggested by form and usage, but the exact root is not attested in Standard Biblical Hebrew; etymology uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
זַרְזִיף is a rare term attested only in late biblical writings (e.g., Song of Songs 5:12). Its usage likely reflects a dialectal (potentially Aramaic) or poetic register, attested in post-exilic or late poetic contexts. Earlier Hebrew typically uses words like גֶּשֶׁם (geshem, rain) or נָחַל (naḥal, wadi/stream) for similar meteorological and hydrological phenomena. In subsequent Jewish literary tradition, particularly in Rabbinic Hebrew, the word develops metaphorical senses, like a continuous trickle. English translations often render זַרְזִיף as 'stream,' 'flow,' or 'showers,' although these terms do not always convey the nuance of suddenness or force implicit in the original context. In the Song of Songs, it forms part of the poetic imagery describing liveliness and beauty.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
by reduplication from an unused root meaning to flow; a pouring rain; water.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
זרף (z-r-p) — to flow, to pour, to gush
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2222-01 |
זַרְזִ֥יף | zarezif | HNcmsc |
that water | downpour of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2222-01 |
Psalms 72:6 | זַרְזִ֥יף | zarezif | HNcmsc |
that water | downpour of |