זְרוֹעַ (ze.ro.a)
ze.ro.a
arm
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 65 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun zroa literally means arm or forearm, but in Scripture it primarily functions as a metaphor for power and strength. While it can refer to the physical limb of a human or the foreleg of an animal (Deuterium 18:3), its most significant usage is figurative. It describes the active force behind an action, often representing military might or political influence (Daniel 11:15).
This word carries deep theological weight when applied to God. The "stretched out arm" of Yahweh is a recurring image in Exodus and Deuteronomy, symbolizing His decisive intervention to rescue Israel from Egypt (Exodus 6:6; Deuteronomy 4:34). It is not merely passive strength but dynamic power in motion. Translators often render it as "might" or "power" to capture this sense of active agency rather than simple anatomy.
The term appears frequently in the Psalms and Prophets, contrasting human weakness with divine capability. When the Bible speaks of breaking the arm of the wicked (Job 35:9), it refers to dismantling their capacity for violence. This concrete imagery helps readers grasp the tangible nature of God’s protection and judgment throughout the Old Testament.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word zroa literally means arm, but in Scripture it carries a much heavier weight. It is rarely just a body part; it stands for power in action. When the Bible speaks of God’s arm, it describes His active force moving to rescue, protect, or judge. This image helps us understand that God does not merely watch from a distance. He reaches out with strength to change situations and deliver His people.
For your faith, this offers deep comfort. Human strength is limited and often fails, but the Lord’s arm is described as everlasting in Deuteronomy 33:27. This means His ability to help you does not run out. Whether you face fear or need protection, you can trust that the same power that parted the Red Sea is available to support you today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 65 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ by/ an arm6×
- arms/ his4×
- arm/ his4×
- and/ arm/ his4×
- [the] arm of4×
- the/ arm3×
- arm/ your3×
- strength/ your2×
- arm/ my2×
- and/ by/ arm/ your2×
- and/ arm/ your2×
- and/ [the] forces of2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זְר֣וֹעַ5×
- וּ/זְרֹע֖/וֹ5×
- וּ/בִ/זְר֣וֹעַ4×
- זְר֖וֹעַ3×
- וּ/זְר֥וֹעַ3×
- זְרֹע֔/וֹ2×
- וּ/בִֽ/זְרֹעֲ/ךָ֖2×
- וּ/בִ/זְרֹ֣עַ2×
- בִּ/זְר֣וֹעַ2×
- מִ/זְּר֣וֹעַ1×
- זְרוֹעוֹתָ֗י/ו1×
- זְרוֹעֶ֔/ךָ1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 6:6
Therefore tell the children of Israel, ‘I am Yahweh, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm, and with great judgments.
This verse links redemption directly to God's outstretched arm, showing His power is active in freeing people from bondage.
-
Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is your dwelling place. Underneath are the everlasting arms. He thrust out the enemy from before you, and said, ‘Destroy!’
Here the term describes God as an everlasting foundation, emphasizing permanent support rather than temporary strength.
-
II Chronicles 32:8
An arm of flesh is with him, but Yahweh our God is with us to help us and to fight our battles.” The people rested themselves on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
Hezekiah contrasts a mere arm of flesh with Yahweh’s help, highlighting the reliability of divine power over human ability.