אַרְזָה (ar.zah)
ar.zah
cedar
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun arzah refers specifically to cedar panels or intricate cedar work rather than the tree itself. This distinction highlights the material’s value as a finished building component, often used for lining walls or constructing elaborate interiors in ancient structures.
Its sole biblical appearance occurs in Zephaniah 2:14, where it describes the decorative elements of Nineveh’s palaces. The prophet uses this detail to illustrate the sudden desolation awaiting a powerful city; even its finest cedar craftsmanship will be reclaimed by nature and left as ruins.
By focusing on the processed wood rather than the forest, the word emphasizes human achievement and luxury. It serves as a concrete image of imperial pride, which stands in stark contrast to the temporary nature of earthly power described in the surrounding verses.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word arzah points to cedar beams or panels, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship of ancient builders rather than just the tree itself. In Zephaniah 2:14, this detail underscores the sudden fall of Nineveh, where even its most luxurious interiors were left to ruin. This image reminds us that human achievements, no matter how grand, are temporary.
When we face our own sense of pride or reliance on worldly success, this passage offers a gentle correction. It invites us to place our hope in what endures rather than in structures that can crumble. Trusting in God provides a stability that outlasts any earthly power or wealth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- cedar-work1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אַרְזָ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
Zephaniah 2:14
Herds will lie down in the middle of her, all kinds of animals. Both the pelican and the porcupine will lodge in its capitals. Their calls will echo through the windows. Desolation will be in the thresholds, for he has laid bare the cedar beams.
This verse uses the term to describe the exposed cedar beams of Nineveh, symbolizing the collapse of imperial pride and luxury into desolation.