זִיז (ziz)
ziz
creature; abundance
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ziz is rare, appearing in only two verses, and carries two distinct meanings depending on context. In Job 41:22, it refers to "moving creatures" or beasts, describing the physical reality of the Leviathan’s scales that glow like bright bronze. Here, the word emphasizes the tangible, living nature of the creature.
In Isaiah 66:11, however, ziz shifts to mean "abundance" or "fulness." The prophet uses it metaphorically to describe the overflowing comfort and nourishment God provides to His people, comparing them to infants nursing at a mother’s breast. This usage highlights provision rather than physical movement.
The root likely relates to motion or shaking, which explains its application to both moving animals and the flowing abundance of milk. Translators often render it as "creatures" in Job and "abundance" in Isaiah, reflecting this semantic range. The word serves as a linguistic bridge between the physical world of beasts and the spiritual reality of divine provision.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Job, this rare word describes the living creatures on the Leviathan’s back, highlighting God’s mastery over the physical world. It reminds us that every detail of creation, no matter how wild or untamed, is known and held by Him.
Isaiah uses the same word in a different way to speak of spiritual nourishment. Here it points to the abundance flowing from God’s presence, like milk offered to a child. This shift shows that the Creator who rules nature also provides intimate care for His people.
You do not need to understand every nuance of ancient Hebrew to feel this truth. Whether facing chaos or seeking comfort, the same God who commands the beasts offers you full satisfaction in His glory.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from/ [the] nipple of1×
- and/ moving creature[s] of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִ/זִּ֥יז1×
- וְ/זִ֥יז1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 66:11
that you may nurse and be satisfied at the comforting breasts; that you may drink deeply, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.”
The word ziz here translates as 'abundance' to describe the overflowing comfort and nourishment God provides, shifting focus from physical beasts to spiritual satisfaction.
-
Psalms 50:11
I know all the birds of the mountains. The wild animals of the field are mine.
Although this verse mentions wild animals, it does not contain the word ziz; therefore, it is excluded from key verses for this specific Strong's entry.