זְעִק
𐤆𐤏𐤒
zᵉʻiq
H2200 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To cry out, raise a loud outcry, express distress or appeal vocally, especially in situations of urgent need or danger. The term especially denotes the act of uttering a loud, often distressful sound in response to threat, injustice, or petition for intervention. Though primarily a verbal expression of distress, it may in some contexts reference the act of summoning or seeking aid through such a cry.
Semantic Range
cry out loudly, raise a public shout, summon by proclamation, appeal for help in distress, make a formal proclamation
Root / Etymology
Aramaic verb derived from the root זָעַק (za‘aq), which in Hebrew means 'to call for help, cry out, summon.' The Aramaic verbal form shows typical adaptation of the triliteral root to the Aramaic verbal system, but retains the same essential semantic field as the Hebrew.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Primarily attested in Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible, especially in Daniel (e.g., Daniel 3:4, 3:7). The act described often occurs in formal or public settings (e.g., proclamations or mass appeals), or as a spontaneous response to distress. In contrast to other roots such as צעק (ṣa‘aq), which may denote a general outcry or lament, זְעִק often connotes a particularly urgent or public summons for help or attention. English translations typically render the word as 'cry,' 'shout,' or 'proclaim,' but these do not always capture the nuance of urgency. In later Aramaic literature, the usage expands to refer to pleading in a legal or communal context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to זָעַק; to make an outcry; cry.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
זעק (z-ʿ-q) — cry out, summon, make an outcry
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2200-01 |
זְעִ֑ק | zeiq | AVqp3ms |
he-cried | he cried out | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2200-01 |
Daniel 6:21 | זְעִ֑ק | zeiq | AVqp3ms |
he-cried | he cried out |