זָמַן (za.man)
za.man
to appoint
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb zāman appears only twice in the Old Testament, both within the post-exilic books of Ezra and Nehemiah. In these rare instances, it functions in the passive stem to describe time that has been fixed or appointed. It does not refer to a human scheduling decision, but rather to a set period that is established and ready.
This usage highlights the concept of designated seasons. When the text speaks of appointed times for rebuilding or gathering, it points to specific moments ordained by circumstance or decree. The word underscores that certain events are tied to definite temporal markers, creating a sense of order and expectation within the historical narrative of Israel’s restoration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word zāman reminds us that our lives unfold within a framework of divine order. In Ezra and Nehemiah, it describes specific times set for gathering and worship. These were not random moments but appointed seasons where God’s people responded to His leading with obedience.
Even when circumstances feel chaotic, this concept offers comfort. It suggests that there is a rhythm to our spiritual journey, marked by times for action and times for rest. We can trust that the moments we experience are part of a larger, purposeful design.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- appointed2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְזֻמָּנִ֔ים1×
- מְזֻמָּנ֖וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 10:14
Now let our princes be appointed for all the assembly, and let all those who are in our cities who have married foreign women come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city and its judges, until the fierce wrath of our God is turned from us, until this matter is resolved.”
This verse uses the term to establish a structured gathering for resolving serious covenant violations, showing how appointed times bring order to crisis.
-
Nehemiah 13:31
and for the wood offering, at appointed times, and for the first fruits. Remember me, my God, for good.
Here it marks the regular schedule for wood offerings and first fruits, highlighting the importance of consistent, timed devotion in temple worship.