זָכָר (za.khar)
za.khar
male
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 77 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word zākar functions as both a noun and an adjective to designate "male." It applies equally to human beings and animals, appearing frequently in the legal texts of Leviticus and Numbers where distinctions between genders determine ritual requirements or census counts. For instance, it identifies the specific animals permitted for sacrifice in Leviticus 1:3 and defines the male offspring included in the tribal numbering in Numbers 1:2.
Its etymology connects to the root meaning "to remember." Ancient interpreters viewed the male as the one who carries forward the family name, ensuring that the lineage of parents is not forgotten. This conceptual link between masculinity and memory underscores a cultural emphasis on continuity and legacy within the biblical narrative.
Translators consistently render zākar as "male" or "manchild," preserving its straightforward biological and social definition. The term remains neutral in tone, serving primarily to categorize individuals for covenantal obligations rather than to assign moral value. Its usage highlights how physical identity was integral to the structure of ancient Israelite community life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word zākar simply means "male." It appears throughout Scripture to describe human beings and animals alike, often marking distinctions in law or lineage rather than assigning moral worth. In Genesis 1:27, we see that God created humanity as both male and female, reflecting His image in a balanced wholeness. This term reminds us that our physical identity is part of how God structured community life in ancient Israel.
Its connection to the root for "remember" adds depth to this simple designation. In cultures where family names and covenants were passed down, being male meant carrying forward a legacy. For believers today, this highlights the value of continuity and faithfulness across generations. It invites us to consider how we honor the past while living faithfully in the present.
Whether referring to sacrificial animals or census counts, zākar serves a functional role in biblical narrative. It helps us understand the social and ritual structures of the time without imposing modern judgments on ancient practices. This clarity allows us to appreciate the text’s historical context while focusing on its enduring spiritual truths.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 77 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- male36×
- a male18×
- the/ males15×
- the/ male4×
- to/ males1×
- of/ males1×
- from/ male1×
- for the/ male1×
- for <the>/ male1×
- [is] a male1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/זְּכָרִֽים\׃\ \ס10×
- זָכָ֖ר9×
- זָכָ֔ר9×
- זָכָ֥ר8×
- זָכָר֙7×
- זָכָ֑ר6×
- זָכָֽר\׃5×
- זָכָ֗ר5×
- הַ/זָּכָ֔ר3×
- לַ/זָּכָ֖ר2×
- זָכָ֣ר2×
- הַ/זְּכָרִ֖ים2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 1:27
God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them.
This verse establishes male and female as equal bearers of God's image, setting the foundation for human dignity.
-
Leviticus 1:3
“‘If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without defect. He shall offer it at the door of the Tent of Meeting, that he may be accepted before Yahweh.
Here zākar specifies the requirement for a burnt offering, showing how gender distinctions functioned in ritual purity laws.
-
Genesis 17:10
This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you. Every male among you shall be circumcised.
The term identifies those bound by the covenant of circumcision, linking physical identity to communal obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does zākar mean in the Bible?
Is zākar related to the word for "remember"?
Why is zākar used in Leviticus?
Every Occurrence (77 verses across 13 books)
Genesis 14 verses
God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them.
Genesis 5:2He created them male and female, and blessed them. On the day they were created, he named them Adam.
Genesis 6:19Of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ship, to keep them alive with you. They…
Genesis 7:3Also of the birds of the sky, seven and seven, male and female, to keep seed alive on the surface of all the earth.
Genesis 7:9went by pairs to Noah into the ship, male and female, as God commanded Noah.
Genesis 7:16Those who went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God commanded him; then Yahweh shut him in.
Genesis 17:10This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you. Every male among you shall…
Genesis 17:12He who is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every male throughout your generations, he who is born in the…
Genesis 17:14The uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that soul shall be cut off from his people.…
Genesis 17:23Abraham took Ishmael his son, all who were born in his house, and all who were bought with his money: every male among…
Genesis 34:15Only on this condition will we consent to you. If you will be as we are, that every male of you be circumcised,
Genesis 34:22Only on this condition will the men consent to us to live with us, to become one people, if every male among us is…
Genesis 34:24All who went out of the gate of his city listened to Hamor, and to Shechem his son; and every male was circumcised, all…
Genesis 34:25On the third day, when they were sore, two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, each took his sword,…