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זֵר (zer)

zer

border

H2213 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 10 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
10 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-M

Definition

Definition

border, moulding, circlet

Brown-Driver-Briggs

זֵר n.m. circlet, border (orig. that which presses, binds)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

border, moulding, circlet

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word zer refers to a border, rim, or molding that defines the edge of an object. In the context of the Tabernacle, this term appears repeatedly in the instructions for building the Ark of the Covenant and the Altar of Incense. These golden borders were not merely decorative; they served to protect the sacred contents and mark the boundaries of holy space.

For your faith life, this imagery reminds us that God provides structure and protection. Just as the gold molding safeguarded the tablets within the Ark, God’s Word sets boundaries that keep us safe from harm. These limits are not restrictions meant to hinder you, but gifts designed to preserve what is most precious in your spiritual journey.

When you feel overwhelmed by the chaos of life, remember that God establishes order. He creates clear paths and protective edges around your soul. This sense of defined space allows you to rest securely, knowing that your faith has a solid foundation and that your walk with Him is guided by His careful design.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • a molding of7×
  • to/ molding/ its2×
  • a molding1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • זֵ֥ר6×
  • לְ/זֵר֗/וֹ2×
  • זֵר\־2×

Key Verses

  • Exodus 25:11
    You shall overlay it with pure gold. You shall overlay it inside and outside, and you shall make a gold molding around it.

    This verse establishes the initial command to overlay the Ark with gold and add a molding, setting the standard for all subsequent sacred vessels.

  • Exodus 37:12
    He made a border of a hand’s width around it, and made a golden molding on its border around it.

    Here, Bezalel’s execution specifies a hand’s width for the border, showing the precise care taken to honor God’s detailed instructions.

  • Exodus 30:3
    You shall overlay it with pure gold, its top, its sides around it, and its horns; and you shall make a gold molding around it.

    The inclusion of the altar’s horns within the gold molding emphasizes that every part of this sacred object was set apart and protected by the border.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word zer mean?

The word zer translates to border, rim, or molding. It is used in the Old Testament to describe the gold edging added to sacred objects like the Ark of the Covenant and the Altar of Incense to define their boundaries.

Why was a border important for the Ark of the Covenant?

The border served both a practical and symbolic purpose. Practically, it protected the wood from wear. Symbolically, the gold molding marked the Ark as holy, separating it from ordinary items and signifying God’s presence within.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

You will find zer primarily in Exodus chapters 25, 30, and 37. These passages detail the construction of the Tabernacle furniture, specifically mentioning the gold moldings around the Ark and the Altar.

Every Occurrence (10 verses across 1 books)

Exodus 10 verses
Exodus 25:11

You shall overlay it with pure gold. You shall overlay it inside and outside, and you shall make a gold molding around…

Exodus 25:24

You shall overlay it with pure gold, and make a gold molding around it.

Exodus 25:25

You shall make a rim of a hand width around it. You shall make a golden molding on its rim around it.

Exodus 30:3

You shall overlay it with pure gold, its top, its sides around it, and its horns; and you shall make a gold molding…

Exodus 30:4

You shall make two golden rings for it under its molding; on its two ribs, on its two sides you shall make them; and…

Exodus 37:2

He overlaid it with pure gold inside and outside, and made a molding of gold for it around it.

Exodus 37:11

He overlaid it with pure gold, and made a gold molding around it.

Exodus 37:12

He made a border of a hand’s width around it, and made a golden molding on its border around it.

Exodus 37:26

He overlaid it with pure gold: its top, its sides around it, and its horns. He made a gold molding around it.

Exodus 37:27

He made two golden rings for it under its molding crown, on its two ribs, on its two sides, for places for poles with…