זָרַם (za.ram)
za.ram
to flood
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb zaram describes the action of pouring out or flooding away with force. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Psalm 90:7, where it vividly depicts God’s anger sweeping people away like a sudden flood. This single usage anchors the word’s meaning in a context of overwhelming divine judgment rather than gentle rain.
Its root imagery suggests a powerful, uncontrolled outpouring, often associated with water or storm forces. In this verse, the metaphor conveys how quickly human life can be overwhelmed by God’s wrath, emphasizing the fragility of human existence against divine power. The word captures not just movement, but the destructive intensity of a deluge.
Though rare, zaram offers a striking picture of judgment as an unstoppable natural force. Its use in Psalm 90 highlights the tension between human mortality and God’s sovereignty, reminding readers that even the strongest human efforts are fleeting before divine authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word zaram paints a vivid picture of overwhelming force, describing something that floods or sweeps away with sudden intensity. In Psalm 90:7, it captures the sheer power of God’s anger, likening divine judgment to a torrential flood that leaves no room for resistance. This imagery reminds us that human life is fragile and fleeting when measured against the vast sovereignty of God.
Yet this stark reality serves a deeper purpose in our faith journey. By acknowledging our vulnerability, we are drawn to rely not on our own strength but on the eternal nature of God. The psalmist moves from this fear to a plea for wisdom and stability, trusting that God’s enduring love can anchor us even when circumstances feel like they are washing away.
When life feels unstable or beyond your control, remember that the same God who commands the floods also offers refuge. His mercy is not swept away by our failures; instead, it stands as a constant foundation. We can find peace in knowing that while human efforts may fade, God’s presence remains steadfast and secure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you flood/ them1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זְ֭רַמְתָּ/ם1×