זֵרֹעַ (ze.ro.a)
ze.ro.a
vegetable
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun zēroʿ refers to vegetables, specifically those that are sown and cultivated rather than gathered wild. The lexicons note a variant spelling, zarʿôn, which appears in the same context. This term is exceptionally rare in Scripture, occurring only twice, both within the book of Daniel.
Its significance lies entirely in the narrative of Daniel 1, where the protagonist requests a diet of vegetables and water instead of the king’s rich food (Daniel 1:12, 16). In this setting, the word highlights a deliberate choice for simplicity and dietary restriction. The text uses it to describe the specific plant-based fare that sustained Daniel and his friends during their time in Babylon.
Translators typically render this straightforwardly as "vegetables" or "pulse." Because the word appears only here, it does not carry broader theological weight across the canon. Instead, it serves as a concrete detail illustrating the physical discipline and distinct identity maintained by the exiles through their daily choices.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels overwhelming or when cultural pressures demand conformity, it can be a profound act of faith to choose simplicity. In Daniel 1, the young men chose a diet of vegetables and water over the king’s rich delicacies. This was not merely about nutrition; it was a visible marker of their distinct identity and trust in God’s provision.
That choice sustained them physically while they navigated a foreign land. It reminds us that small, daily disciplines can anchor our spirits. By opting for what is plain and pure, we create space to focus on what truly matters, finding strength in restraint rather than indulgence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- vegetables1×
- the/ vegetables1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זֵרְעֹנִֽים\׃1×
- הַ/זֵּרֹעִ֛ים1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 1:12
“Test your servants, I beg you, ten days; and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.
This verse establishes the specific request for vegetables and water as a test of faithfulness before God.
-
Daniel 1:16
So the steward took away their delicacies and the wine that they were given to drink, and gave them vegetables.
Here the text confirms that this simple diet actually improved their appearance, validating their disciplined choice.