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זַלְזַל (zal.zal)

zal.zal

tendril

H2150 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun zalzal refers to the delicate tendrils or shoots of a vine. Its meaning is rooted in the idea of quivering or trembling, capturing the fragile, swaying nature of these new growths as they reach for support. This vivid imagery appears only once in the Bible, in Isaiah 18:5.

In that verse, the tender shoots are described before the grape clusters ripen. The text depicts them withering away when attacked by birds and wild animals. This single occurrence highlights the vulnerability of early growth, serving as a metaphor for how quickly something promising can be destroyed if left unprotected.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word zalzal describes the tender tendrils of a vine, capturing their fragile nature as they reach for support. In Isaiah 18:5, these delicate shoots are shown withering before the harvest, illustrating how quickly promising beginnings can be lost without protection. This image reminds us that early stages of growth require care and vigilance.

For your faith journey, this metaphor encourages you to nurture the small, new things God places in your life. Whether it is a new habit, relationship, or spiritual discipline, these tender shoots need time and attention to mature. Trust that God cares for these beginnings and will sustain them as they grow.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • the/ shoots1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • הַ/זַּלְזַלִּים֙1×

Key Verses

  • Isaiah 18:5
    For before the harvest, when the blossom is over, and the flower becomes a ripening grape, he will cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks, and he will cut down and take away the spreading branches.

    This verse uses the word to depict tender vine shoots that wither before ripening, highlighting the vulnerability of early growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does zalzal mean in the Bible?

Zalzal is a Hebrew noun meaning 'tendril' or 'sprig,' referring to the delicate shoots of a vine. It appears only once in Scripture, in Isaiah 18:5, where it describes tender growth that is vulnerable to damage before ripening.

Why does zalzal appear only once in the Bible?

This specific term for a vine's tender shoot is used uniquely in Isaiah 18:5 to create a vivid metaphor about vulnerability. The single occurrence emphasizes how quickly promising beginnings can be lost if not protected, making it a powerful but rare image.

How is zalzal different from other words for plant parts?

While other Hebrew words refer to mature vines or grapes, zalzal specifically denotes the fragile, early-stage shoots. It captures the delicate, trembling nature of new growth, distinguishing it from stronger or more developed plant structures.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Isaiah 1 verse
Isaiah 18:5

For before the harvest, when the blossom is over, and the flower becomes a ripening grape, he will cut off the sprigs…