זִכָּרוֹן (zikh.ron)
zikh.ron
memorial
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun zikharon refers to anything that serves as a reminder or keeps memory alive. Derived from the verb for "remembering," it describes tangible objects, specific days, or written records designed to prevent forgetting. In Exodus 13:9, the Passover observance is called a memorial, functioning as a visible sign that prompts the people to recall God’s deliverance from Egypt.
This word covers a wide range of uses, from physical stones set up as monuments to official royal annals. Esther 6:1 mentions the "book of the chronicles," showing how zikharon extends to historical records that preserve the deeds of kings. It also appears in poetic contexts where human memory fades, such as Ecclesiastes 1:11, which notes that past generations are soon forgotten.
The theological weight of zikharon lies in its active purpose. It is not merely a static object but a trigger for action and reflection. When God commands Moses to write Amalek’s defeat in a book as a memorial (Exodus 17:14), the goal is to ensure that future generations know who fought for Israel. The word emphasizes that memory requires a vehicle, whether it be a ritual, a stone, or a text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word zikharon reminds us that God cares about our ability to remember. He does not leave us to rely on fading human memory alone. Instead, He provides clear signs and regular practices to keep His faithfulness present in our daily lives. This is a gift of grace, ensuring that we do not drift into forgetfulness during difficult seasons.
When you observe the Passover or reflect on God’s past deliverances, you are participating in this active remembrance. These moments are not just rituals; they are anchors for your soul. They connect your current experience to God’s enduring promises, offering stability and hope when life feels uncertain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- remembrance4×
- <into>/ a memorial3×
- to/ a memorial2×
- reminder2×
- [is] remembrance2×
- to/ a reminder1×
- the/ reminders1×
- memorials/ your1×
- memorial/ your1×
- and/ a memorial1×
- and/ <into>/ a reminder1×
- a remembrance of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/זִכָּרוֹן֙2×
- זִכָּר֖וֹן2×
- לְ/זִכָּרֹֽן\׃\ \ס1×
- לְ/זִכָּרֹ֥ן1×
- לְ/זִכָּר֛וֹן1×
- לְ/זִכָּר֖וֹן1×
- לְ/זִכָּר֔וֹן1×
- זִכָּרוֹן֙1×
- זִכָּרֹ֖ן1×
- זִכָּר֥וֹן1×
- זִכָּר֤וֹן1×
- זִכָּר֔וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 12:14
This day shall be a memorial for you. You shall keep it as a feast to Yahweh. You shall keep it as a feast throughout your generations by an ordinance forever.
This verse establishes the Passover as a permanent memorial, showing how God instituted a recurring ritual to preserve the memory of His saving act for future generations.
-
Exodus 13:9
It shall be for a sign to you on your hand, and for a memorial between your eyes, that Yahweh’s law may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand Yahweh has brought you out of Egypt.
Here the memorial is described as a sign on the hand and eyes, illustrating how physical reminders are meant to keep God’s law central in a believer’s daily life.
-
Malachi 3:16
Then those who feared Yahweh spoke one with another; and Yahweh listened and heard, and a book of memory was written before him for those who feared Yahweh and who honored his name.
This passage reveals that God Himself keeps a book of memory for those who fear Him, demonstrating His personal attention to the faithful and their devotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does zikharon mean in the Bible?
How is zikharon different from regular memory?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (21 verses across 11 books)
Exodus 7 verses
This day shall be a memorial for you. You shall keep it as a feast to Yahweh. You shall keep it as a feast throughout…
Exodus 13:9It shall be for a sign to you on your hand, and for a memorial between your eyes, that Yahweh’s law may be in your…
Exodus 17:14Yahweh said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: that I will utterly…
Exodus 28:12You shall put the two stones on the shoulder straps of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel.…
Exodus 28:29Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment on his heart, when he goes in to…
Exodus 30:16You shall take the atonement money from the children of Israel, and shall appoint it for the service of the Tent of…
Exodus 39:7He put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel, as Yahweh…