זָרַק (za.raq)
za.raq
to scatter
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 30 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb zaraq describes the physical act of scattering or tossing particles, whether dry or liquid. In its basic sense, it involves throwing something so that it spreads out over a surface. This action applies to both solid matter, such as dust or cinders, and fluids like water or blood. The word captures the motion of dispersion rather than a gentle pouring.
While the term can describe natural phenomena, such as grey hairs scattering across a head in Hosea 7:9, its most significant usage appears in ritual contexts. It is the standard word for the sprinkling of blood during sacrifices, as seen when Moses applies it to the altar and the people in Exodus 24:6-8. This specific application gives the word a distinct theological weight, marking it as the language of consecration and purification rather than mere cleaning.
Translators typically render zaraq as "sprinkle" or "scatter," depending on the object involved. The distinction matters because the ritual sprinkling in Leviticus and Exodus was not about washing away dirt but about applying a substance to designate something as holy or clean. This deliberate application underscores the seriousness of the covenant rituals described in the Pentateuch.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word zaraq describes a deliberate action: scattering or sprinkling something so it spreads over a surface. In the Old Testament, this term carries deep significance because it is the standard language for applying blood during covenant rituals. When Moses sprinkled blood on the altar and the people in Exodus 24, he was not merely cleaning a surface. He was marking them as holy and setting them apart for God.
This act of sprinkling points to a profound truth about purification and consecration. It shows that approaching God requires a specific, intentional preparation. The ritual was not about removing dirt but about establishing a relationship through sacrifice. For believers today, this imagery reminds us that our connection to the divine is rooted in grace and set apart by faith.
Understanding zaraq helps us see the seriousness of the Old Testament sacrifices. These acts were not casual gestures but solemn declarations of commitment. They prepare our hearts to appreciate the fuller picture of redemption found in the New Testament, where the focus shifts from physical sprinkling to spiritual cleansing and peace with God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 30 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ they will sprinkle5×
- and/ they sprinkled4×
- and/ he sprinkled4×
- you will sprinkle2×
- and/ he sprinkled/ it2×
- who/ sprinkles1×
- it was sprinkled1×
- it has sneaked in1×
- it has been sprinkled1×
- he will sprinkle1×
- he sprinkled1×
- does he sprinkle?1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יִּזְרֹ֨ק2×
- וַ/יִּזְרְקֵ֥/הוּ2×
- וַ/יִּזְרְק֥וּ2×
- וַ/יִּזְרְק֤וּ2×
- וְ֠/זָרְקוּ2×
- וְ/זָרְק֡וּ2×
- תִּזְרֹ֤ק1×
- תִּזְרֹ֑ק1×
- יִזְרֹ֥ק1×
- יִזְרֹ֑ק1×
- זֹרַ֥ק1×
- זֹרַ֤ק1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 24:8
Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, “Look, this is the blood of the covenant, which Yahweh has made with you concerning all these words.”
This verse explicitly links the act of sprinkling blood to the establishment of the covenant, defining the relationship between God and His people.
-
Leviticus 1:5
He shall kill the bull before Yahweh. Aaron’s sons, the priests, shall present the blood and sprinkle the blood around on the altar that is at the door of the Tent of Meeting.
Here the priests sprinkle blood around the altar, establishing the foundational pattern for how offerings were presented to Yahweh.
-
Numbers 19:20
But the man who shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the assembly, because he has defiled the sanctuary of Yahweh. The water for impurity has not been sprinkled on him. He is unclean.
This occurrence highlights the negative consequence of failing to undergo the sprinkling ritual, showing its necessity for remaining in the assembly.
-
Exodus 9:8
Yahweh said to Moses and to Aaron, “Take handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the sky in the sight of Pharaoh.
The sprinkling of ashes before Pharaoh demonstrates that zaraq applies beyond ritual contexts to include acts of judgment and public demonstration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does zaraq mean in the Bible?
How is zaraq different from washing?
Why was blood sprinkled in the Old Testament?
Where else does this word appear?
Every Occurrence (30 verses across 8 books)
Exodus 6 verses
Yahweh said to Moses and to Aaron, “Take handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the sky in…
Exodus 9:10They took ashes of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses sprinkled it up toward the sky; and it became boils…
Exodus 24:6Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.
Exodus 24:8Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, “Look, this is the blood of the covenant, which Yahweh…
Exodus 29:16You shall kill the ram, and you shall take its blood, and sprinkle it around on the altar.
Exodus 29:20Then you shall kill the ram, and take some of its blood, and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and on the…