זַן (zan)
zan
kind
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word zan functions as a general term for "kind" or "sort." It appears in only two verses, both found in the book of Psalms. In these contexts, it serves to categorize or distinguish one type of thing from another, acting as a simple classifier within the sentence structure.
Lexical sources note that this form is characteristic of late Hebrew and has a direct Aramaic equivalent, also spelled zan. This linguistic connection suggests a shared usage pattern across related Semitic languages during the later biblical period. The word itself carries no inherent emotional or theological weight; its purpose is purely descriptive, helping to define the specific variety or category being discussed.
Because it occurs so rarely, the word does not develop a complex range of meanings. Translators typically render it simply as "kind" or "sort," depending on what flows naturally in English. Its primary value for the reader lies in recognizing that the text is making a distinction between different types of subjects, rather than implying any deeper symbolic significance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word zan simply means 'kind' or 'sort.' It appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times to describe variety. In Psalms 144:13, it highlights the abundance of provisions stored in full barns. This small detail shows God’s care for daily needs.
When you read this word, notice how it points to diversity within blessing. God does not provide just one type of food or resource. He fills our lives with many kinds of good things. This variety reflects His generous character and attention to detail in our everyday lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- kind1×
- from/ kind1×
- and/ kinds1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִ/זַּ֗ן1×
- זַ֥ן1×
- וּ/זְנִ֔ים1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 144:13
Our barns are full, filled with all kinds of provision. Our sheep produce thousands and ten thousands in our fields.
The word zan specifies the diversity of provisions filling the barns, showing God's abundant and varied care for His people.
-
II Chronicles 16:14
They buried him in his own tomb, which he had dug out for himself in David’s city, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odors and various kinds of spices prepared by the perfumers’ art; and they made a very great fire for him.
Here zan describes the various kinds of spices used in burial preparations, indicating the honor and care given to the deceased king.