זִמְרָה (zim.rah)
zim.rah
best
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun zimrah appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Genesis 43:11. In this context, it refers to "choice" or "best" produce, specifically the finest fruits and nuts available in the land. Jacob instructs his sons to take these select items as a gift for the Egyptian ruler, hoping to secure their release from detention.
Lexical sources note that the exact etymology of the word is uncertain, but its meaning here is clear: it denotes high-quality agricultural goods rather than general harvest. The term highlights the value placed on offering the very best, not just any available produce, as a gesture of peace and respect in a tense political situation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word zimrah appears only once in Scripture, tucked into Genesis 43:11. Jacob tells his sons to take the "best" fruits of the land as a gift for the Egyptian ruler. This was not just any harvest; it was the finest balm, honey, spices, nuts, and almonds available. In a tense political moment, offering the very best was a way to show respect and seek peace.
For your faith life, this reminds us that God values our sincerity and our willingness to give our best. When we face difficult situations or relationships, we can offer our finest efforts, not out of fear, but as a gesture of goodwill. It is a call to excellence in how we treat others, especially when the stakes are high.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- some of/ [the] best products of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִ/זִּמְרַ֤ת1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 43:11
Their father, Israel, said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Take from the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry down a present for the man, a little balm, a little honey, spices and myrrh, nuts, and almonds;
This verse uses zimrah to specify that Jacob's sons must take the finest produce, distinguishing these choice gifts from ordinary harvest items.