זֶ֫רַח (ze.rach)
ze.rach
dawning
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun zerach describes the bright light of dawn or the act of shining forth. In Scripture, it captures the visual transition from darkness to morning, emphasizing the sudden appearance of light that breaks through the night.
This word appears only once in the Bible, in Isaiah 60:3. Here, it is used figuratively to describe the glory of Zion. The text states that nations will come to this light, and kings to the brightness of its dawn. The image suggests a radiant center of hope that draws people from surrounding darkness.
Translators typically render zerach as "dawning" or "brightness." This choice highlights the active nature of the light; it is not static but emerging. The verse uses this specific term to portray Jerusalem’s future restoration as a visible, powerful event that guides others toward it.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word zerach captures the sudden, bright appearance of dawn breaking through the night. In Isaiah 60:3, this light is not just a natural event but a symbol of God’s glory shining on Zion. It represents a visible hope that draws nations and kings from surrounding darkness.
For your faith, this means God’s presence is active and guiding. Just as dawn cannot be hidden, His truth shines clearly in difficult times. You can trust that His light will lead you out of confusion and into peace, offering a steady path forward without needing to navigate the dark alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- dawn/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זַרְחֵֽ/ךְ\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 60:3
Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
This verse uniquely uses zerach to describe the radiant glory of Zion that attracts kings and nations, showing how God’s presence becomes a visible guide for others.