זִמָּה (zim.mah)
zim.mah
wickedness
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun zimmah refers to a deliberate plan or scheme, but with a distinctively negative moral charge. It describes an evil device or mischievous purpose that has been carefully thought out before being put into action. Rather than a spontaneous error or momentary lapse in judgment, this word points to a calculated intent to do wrong.
Its usage spans several specific areas of transgression. In Leviticus 18:17 and 20:14, it denotes the incestuous relationships forbidden by the law. In Proverbs 6:14, it characterizes the scheming behavior of a troublemaker who spreads discord. The Psalms often use it to describe the wicked plots formed against the righteous, such as in Psalm 37:12.
The term captures the essence of premeditated sin. It is not merely an act of passion but a cold-hearted design. By focusing on the mental preparation behind the deed, the text highlights that the moral failure begins in the mind with a resolved purpose to violate God’s order.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word zimmah describes a sin that begins in the mind before it ever reaches the hands. It is not a momentary slip or an accidental mistake. Instead, it refers to a calculated scheme, a deliberate plan formed with the specific intent to violate God’s moral order. This distinction matters because it shows that God sees the heart’s resolve, not just the outward action.
When we encounter this concept in Scripture, it serves as a sobering reminder to examine our own thoughts. We are called to guard our minds against schemes of deceit or harm. By recognizing the danger of premeditated evil, we can turn our focus toward wisdom and integrity. This awareness helps us align our inner desires with God’s will, finding peace in a life that honors Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wickedness6×
- [is] wickedness3×
- plans/ my1×
- in/ wickedness1×
- evil purposes1×
- a plan of1×
- [the] wickedness of1×
- <of> wickedness1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זִמָּ֑ה4×
- זִמָּ֥ה2×
- זִמָּ֖ה2×
- זִמַּ֣ת2×
- זִמֹּתַ֣/י1×
- זִמָּֽה\׃1×
- זִמָּ֣ה1×
- זִמּ֣וֹת1×
- בְ/זִמָּ֥ה1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 21:27
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination— how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind!
This verse highlights that worship is rejected when the heart behind it holds a wicked plan, showing that intent corrupts even religious acts.
-
Psalms 26:10
in whose hands is wickedness; their right hand is full of bribes.
Here the term describes those whose hands are full of bribes, linking calculated greed directly to their active behavior.
-
Proverbs 10:23
It is a fool’s pleasure to do wickedness, but wisdom is a man of understanding’s pleasure.
The text contrasts a fool’s pleasure in doing wickedness with the wisdom found in understanding, emphasizing that evil is often a chosen delight.
-
Leviticus 20:14
“‘If a man takes a wife and her mother, it is wickedness. They shall be burned with fire, both he and they, that there may be no wickedness among you.
This law identifies incest as zimmah to preserve community holiness by removing calculated violations of family boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does zimmah mean in the Bible?
How is zimmah different from general sin?
Where does this word appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (14 verses across 8 books)
Leviticus 3 verses
“‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter. You shall not take her son’s daughter, or her…
Leviticus 19:29“‘Don’t profane your daughter, to make her a prostitute; lest the land fall to prostitution, and the land become full…
Leviticus 20:14“‘If a man takes a wife and her mother, it is wickedness. They shall be burned with fire, both he and they, that there…