מְזָרֶה (me.za.reh)
me.za.reh
scattering wind
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun mezaresh describes a wind that scatters or disperses, appearing in Scripture as a metaphor for sudden, thorough destruction. It occurs only once, in Job 21:18, where it is compared to chaff driven by the storm. The word derives from the root zarah, which means to scatter, fan, or winnow grain. This agricultural imagery highlights how the wind separates light, worthless material from heavier, useful kernels.
In its single biblical usage, the term emphasizes the powerlessness of the wicked against divine judgment. Just as a winnowing fork tosses chaff into the air to let the wind carry it away, mezaresh illustrates complete removal without remainder. The image is not one of gentle breeze but of forceful dispersion that leaves nothing behind.
Translators often render this word as "scattering wind" or "storm wind," capturing both its physical action and its theological weight. The contrast lies in the thoroughness of the scattering: unlike a light gust, mezaresh implies an unstoppable force that ensures total separation. This rare term underscores the certainty of judgment when God’s purposes are executed.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mezaresh describes a wind that scatters chaff with total finality. It appears only once in Scripture, in Job 21:18, where it illustrates how quickly the wicked can be removed from power. This image is not about gentle weather but about an unstoppable force that leaves nothing behind. When life feels unstable, this verse reminds us that no earthly authority is permanent.
Understanding this term helps us see the difference between human strength and divine sovereignty. The wind does not negotiate with the chaff; it simply carries it away. Similarly, God’s judgment is decisive and thorough. We can find comfort in knowing that injustice will not last forever and that God sees all things clearly.
This rare word invites us to trust in God’s ultimate justice rather than our own ability to control outcomes. It encourages humility, reminding us that our standing before God depends on His grace, not our temporary success. May this truth bring peace to your heart as you navigate uncertain times.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ from/ [the] scattering winds1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּֽ/מִ/מְּזָרִ֥ים1×