זָרַע (za.ra)
za.ra
to sow
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 50 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb zara means to scatter seed or sow, describing the agricultural act of planting crops in a field. In its most literal sense, it covers both the action of sowing and the natural process of plants yielding their own seed, as seen when God commands the earth to produce vegetation in Genesis 1:29.
This word carries significant metaphorical weight in Scripture, extending beyond farming to describe human behavior and divine judgment. Proverbs 11:18 contrasts those who sow righteousness with those who sow wickedness, while Hosea 8:7 warns that sowing the wind leads to reaping a whirlwind. The imagery suggests that actions have inevitable consequences.
Zara also appears in unique contexts where it describes pregnancy or fruitfulness. In Leviticus 12:2 and Numbers 5:28, the related forms describe a woman conceiving seed, linking physical reproduction with the agricultural cycle. This usage highlights a biblical view of life as a natural process of growth and harvest.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word zara describes the simple act of scattering seed into the ground. It begins with an agricultural reality: planting something small in hope that it will grow. This image appears early in Scripture when God commands the earth to yield vegetation, establishing a rhythm of life that depends on careful preparation and patience.
Beyond farming, this verb teaches us about cause and effect. Actions we take now shape what we experience later. Proverbs 11:18 contrasts those who sow righteousness with those who sow wickedness, showing that our daily choices have lasting consequences. Isaac’s harvest in Genesis 26:12 reminds us that God can bless faithful effort in unexpected ways.
When you face uncertainty, remember this pattern of growth. Trust that your efforts to live well are not wasted. Even when results seem slow, the process of sowing builds a foundation for future harvests. Let this truth encourage you to continue doing good with steady hands and a hopeful heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 50 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will sow10×
- sow4×
- [which] bears seed4×
- and/ you will sow3×
- you sowed1×
- you sow/ it1×
- you sow1×
- you must sow1×
- you have sown1×
- we will sow1×
- to/ sow1×
- to the/ sower1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִּזְרַ֣ע3×
- יִזָּרֵ֑עַ2×
- זֹרֵ֣עַ2×
- זִרְע֧וּ2×
- תִּזְרָעֶֽ/נּוּ\׃1×
- תִּזְרָ֔ע1×
- תִּזְרַע֙1×
- תִּזְרַ֖ע1×
- תִּזְרְע֖וּ1×
- תַזְרִ֔יעַ1×
- תִזְרָ֙עוּ֙1×
- תִזְרָ֔עוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 1:29
God said, “Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree, which bears fruit yielding seed. It will be your food.
This verse establishes the foundational connection between sowing seed and human sustenance, showing God's provision from the beginning.
-
Genesis 26:12
Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year one hundred times what he planted. Yahweh blessed him.
Isaac’s hundredfold harvest demonstrates how divine blessing can amplify ordinary agricultural efforts during times of famine and uncertainty.
-
Job 4:8
According to what I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble, reap the same.
Job uses this verb to argue that those who engage in trouble-making will ultimately reap the same trouble they planted in others' lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does zara mean in the Bible?
How is zara different from other words for planting?
Where does this word appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (50 verses across 17 books)
Genesis 5 verses
God said, “Let the earth yield grass, herbs yielding seeds, and fruit trees bearing fruit after their kind, with their…
Genesis 1:12The earth yielded grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, with their seeds in it, after…
Genesis 1:29God said, “Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree,…
Genesis 26:12Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year one hundred times what he planted. Yahweh blessed him.
Genesis 47:23Then Joseph said to the people, “Behold, I have bought you and your land today for Pharaoh. Behold, here is seed for…