זָנַב (za.nav)
za.nav
to cut off the tail
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb zanav literally means to cut off a tail. In the Old Testament, it appears only twice, both in the context of warfare. Its primary usage is figurative, describing a military tactic where an army attacks the rear of its enemy.
This imagery relies on the idea of striking from behind, catching opponents off guard or preventing their escape. The sources note that this action is equivalent to "smite the tail," emphasizing a decisive blow against the vulnerable backside of a force. It conveys a sense of complete rout, where the enemy is not just defeated but scattered and pursued.
The word’s rarity highlights the specific nature of this tactic in ancient Near Eastern battles. By targeting the rear, the attacker ensures that the enemy cannot regroup or flee effectively. This vivid metaphor underscores the thoroughness of divine judgment or military victory when such language is applied to God’s actions against Israel’s foes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word zanav paints a vivid picture of ancient warfare, literally meaning to cut off or strike the tail. In the Old Testament, this rare verb describes attacking an army from behind, targeting the weakest and most vulnerable part of a retreating force. It is not merely about winning a battle, but ensuring a complete rout where the enemy cannot regroup or escape.
When we see this imagery applied to God’s actions, such as in Joshua 10:19, it reminds us of His thorough care for His people. He does not just grant partial victory; He ensures that threats are fully neutralized so His followers can rest securely. This word assures us that when God fights for you, He leaves no loose ends.
In our own lives, this brings comfort against overwhelming odds. We may feel like the 'feeble' ones being pursued, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 25:18. Yet, knowing that God strikes at the root of our troubles gives us hope. You are never fighting alone, and His victories are complete.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ you will attack in [the] rear1×
- and/ it attacked in [the] rear1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יְזַנֵּ֤ב1×
- וְ/זִנַּבְתֶּ֖ם1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 10:19
but don’t stay there. Pursue your enemies, and attack them from the rear. Don’t allow them to enter into their cities; for Yahweh your God has delivered them into your hand.”
This verse commands Israel to attack from the rear, showing how zanav is used as a tactical instruction for total victory.
-
Deuteronomy 25:18
how he met you by the way, and struck the rearmost of you, all who were feeble behind you, when you were faint and weary; and he didn’t fear God.
Here the word describes Amalek striking the weary rearmost of Israel, highlighting the cruelty of targeting the vulnerable during retreat.