זוּזִים (zu.zim)
zu.zim
Zuzim
N:N--LGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG
Word Overview
The term zuzim refers to an ancient people mentioned only once in Scripture, specifically in Genesis 14:5. They are identified as descendants of Zuz and were among the nations defeated by the coalition of eastern kings before being routed by Abram’s forces. The name itself is obscure, with some sources suggesting it may mean “roving creatures,” which hints at a nomadic lifestyle.
Located east of the Jordan River, likely in the region associated with ancient Ammon, the zuzim represent one of many small groups that populate the early biblical narrative. Their single appearance underscores the historical context of the patriarchal era, where tribal alliances and conflicts were common. While their origins remain uncertain, their inclusion in the text highlights the complex geopolitical landscape of the time.
Translators typically retain the Hebrew form as “Zuzim” rather than attempting a literal translation, preserving the proper noun’s distinctiveness. This approach acknowledges the word’s role as a specific identifier rather than a descriptive term with broader semantic range. The passage serves primarily to situate Abram’s victory within a wider regional history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zuzim appears just once in the Bible, tucked into a list of nations defeated by Abram in Genesis 14:5. We do not know much about them beyond this single mention. They were likely a small tribal group living east of the Jordan River during the time of the patriarchs.
For your faith, this obscure detail reminds us that God’s history includes many peoples and places we may never fully understand. Abram’s victory was not just a personal triumph but part of a larger regional story. Even groups with unknown origins are part of the world God oversees.
This verse shows that God is active in complex human affairs. It encourages trust in His sovereignty, even when the full picture remains hidden from us today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Zuzites1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/זּוּזִ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 14:5
In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim,
This is the only occurrence of the word, identifying the Zuzim as one of the groups defeated by Chedorlaomer before Abram’s intervention.