זְעֵיר (ze.er)
ze.er
little
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word zəʿîr signifies a small amount, whether measured in quantity or duration. It functions as a diminutive term, pointing to something minor or limited rather than substantial. In biblical usage, it typically modifies nouns to indicate a slight degree of something, such as a small portion of instruction or a brief span of time.
Although it appears only three times in the Hebrew Bible, its presence is notable in books like Job and Isaiah. For instance, in Job 15:11, it describes God’s word as being "little" to the speaker, emphasizing how small or insufficient that divine communication felt in that moment of distress. This usage highlights the word’s capacity to convey not just physical size, but also perceived value or impact.
Translators often render zəʿîr as "a little," "slightly," or "briefly," depending on context. Its Aramaic equivalent shares this meaning, reflecting a consistent linguistic thread across related Semitic languages. The term’s brevity mirrors its definition: it points to the smallness of what is described without elaboration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels heavy or God seems distant, we often wish for a massive sign or an overwhelming revelation. Yet Scripture reminds us that divine truth is frequently given in small doses. The Hebrew word zəʿîr captures this reality, describing something little, brief, or minor. It suggests that God does not always shout from the heavens; sometimes He whispers in fragments.
This perspective brings comfort to those who feel their faith is struggling. If you are waiting for a big breakthrough, remember that even a 'little' word from God carries weight. In Isaiah 28:10, the phrase 'here a little, there a little' describes how instruction was given step by step. God meets us where we are, offering just enough light for the next step rather than blinding us with the whole picture at once.
Your current season of waiting or confusion is not a sign of abandonment. It may simply be an invitation to pay attention to the small things. Trust that these minor moments of grace are building something enduring in your heart, even when the progress feels slow or invisible to the eye.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a little5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זְעֵ֥יר3×
- זְעֵ֣יר1×
- זְ֭עֵיר1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 28:10
For it is precept on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, there a little.
This verse uses the phrase 'here a little, there a little' to describe how God's instruction was given in small, manageable portions rather than all at once.
-
Job 36:2
“Bear with me a little, and I will show you; for I still have something to say on God’s behalf.
Elihu asks Job to bear with him for a short time, using the word to indicate a brief pause before sharing further insight about God's justice.
-
Isaiah 28:13
Therefore Yahweh’s word will be to them precept on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, there a little; that they may go, fall backward, be broken, be snared, and be taken.
The repetition of 'here a little, there a little' highlights how fragmented understanding can lead to stumbling when people reject the gradual nature of divine teaching.