זָמִיר (za.mir)
za.mir
song
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun zāmīr refers to a song or psalm, typically one accompanied by musical instruments. It appears six times in the Old Testament, with significant usage in Psalms, Isaiah, and Job. This word distinguishes itself from other terms for singing by emphasizing the melodic, instrumental aspect of worship rather than just the vocal act.
In several key passages, zāmīr is linked to the harp or lyre, suggesting a rich, resonant sound. For instance, Psalm 92:3 describes playing on a ten-stringed instrument with a melodious sound, using this term to capture the fullness of the musical offering. Similarly, in Isaiah 5:1, the "song of the beloved" is presented as a vineyard song, highlighting its poetic and structured nature.
The root of zāmīr may relate to pruning or cutting, which some scholars connect to the idea of shaping words into a refined melody. This etymological hint adds depth to its use in Scripture, where songs are not just spontaneous outbursts but carefully crafted expressions of faith and praise. Translators often render it as "song" or "psalm," reflecting its role in both personal devotion and communal worship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word zāmīr carries a specific beauty: it refers to a song that is shaped, often accompanied by instruments like the harp or lyre. It suggests that worship is not just a spontaneous outburst, but something crafted and refined. When we sing, we are offering something structured and intentional, much like a musician tuning an instrument before playing a melody.
In Psalm 92:3, this word describes the sound of a ten-stringed instrument, highlighting the richness of musical praise. This reminds us that our expressions of faith can be both personal and communal, simple or complex, as long as they come from a heart seeking to honor God. The act of singing becomes a way to give shape to our gratitude.
Even in difficult times, this concept offers comfort. Job 35:10 speaks of God giving songs in the night, suggesting that even when we cannot find the words ourselves, there is a divine source for melody and hope. We can trust that our prayers, whether spoken or sung, are heard and valued by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- songs3×
- with/ songs1×
- [the] songs of1×
- [the] song of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זְמִרֹ֤ת1×
- זְמִר֥וֹת1×
- זְמִר֣וֹת1×
- זְמִ֥יר1×
- זְ֭מִרוֹת1×
- בִּ֝/זְמִר֗וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Job 35:10
But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night,
Here, God is described as the one who gives songs in the night, linking the word to divine provision during times of darkness or distress.
-
Psalms 119:54
Your statutes have been my songs in the house where I live.
The psalmist calls God's statutes his zāmīr while dwelling in a foreign land, showing how Scripture can become the structured melody of one's life.