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זָמַר

𐤆𐤌𐤓

zâmar

H2168 verb

SILEX Entry

Root זמר to cut, to prune, to trim

Definition

To trim, prune, or cut off, especially in the context of horticulture (such as pruning vines or trees); the act of cutting back growth for the purpose of cultivation. In extended contexts, can refer more generally to the act of removing unwanted growth or selectively cutting for enhancement or health, most commonly of plants.

Semantic Range

to prune vines, to trim branches, to cut off plant growth, to tend or cultivate through cutting

Root / Etymology

Root זמר, with the primary sense 'to prune' or 'to trim.' The verb appears to be onomatopoeic, reflecting the cutting or clipping sound. While similar-sounding roots exist (e.g., סמר, צמר), those generally refer to different actions (bristling, wool) and are likely distinct in origin, though some ancient lexica and translations occasionally confused them.

Historical & Contextual Notes

זָמַר is attested primarily in agricultural contexts, specifically the tending of vineyards, where controlled pruning was and remains vital for healthy grape production. The verb appears in key passages describing Israelite agricultural practices (cf. Leviticus 25:3-4; Isaiah 5:6), indicating a settled, land-working society. While the same consonants are used in another verbal root זָמַר meaning 'to sing, make music' (H2167), these are clearly distinguished by context and never overlap in ancient usage. Standard English translations ('prune,' 'trim') generally represent the sense accurately, though the wider context of ancient Near Eastern viticulture practices adds nuance. Later Hebrew and cognate Semitic languages continue the agricultural sense, while the metaphorical extension (e.g., 'to discipline' or 'to remove excess') is occasionally suggested in later rabbinic literature but not solidly attested in the Hebrew Bible. Not to be confused with the musical זָמַר (H2167).

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primitive root (compare זָמַר, סָמַר, צֶמֶר); to trim (a vine); prune.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

זמר (z-m-r) — to cut, to prune, to trim

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H2156 זְמוֹרָה the pruned vine-shoot
H2158 זָמִיר with musical songs
H2159 זָמִיר the pruned shoot
H2160 זְמִירָה Zemirah
H2167 זָמַר I will make music in praise

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H2168-01 תִּזְמֹ֣ר tizemor HVqi2ms you shall prune you will prune 2
H2168-02 יִזָּמֵר֙ yizamer HVNi3ms be pruned he will be pruned 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H2168-01 Leviticus 25:3 תִּזְמֹ֣ר tizemor HVqi2ms you shall prune you will prune
H2168-01 Leviticus 25:4 תִזְמֹֽר tizemor HVqi2ms you shall prune you will prune
H2168-02 Isaiah 5:6 יִזָּמֵר֙ yizamer HVNi3ms be pruned he will be pruned
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