זַרְזִיר
𐤆𐤓𐤆𐤉𐤓
zarzîyr
H2223 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A swift-moving, girded animal; refers specifically to an animal known for its agility and slender build. In context, most likely describes a creature with a distinctively slender waist and rapid movements. The term has also been traditionally interpreted as referring to a 'greyhound,' but the identification is debated.
Semantic Range
a girded or slender-waisted animal, swift-moving creature, greyhound (traditional), possibly rooster or warhorse (alternate interpretations)
Root / Etymology
Derived by reduplication from the root זוּר (zur), meaning 'to gird,' 'to enclose,' or 'to be encircled.' The doubling in זַרְזִיר emphasizes the act of being tightly girded, likely referring to the animal's slender, taut waist, rather than the nominal root meaning itself.
Historical & Contextual Notes
זַרְזִיר occurs only in Proverbs 30:31, where it appears in a list of stately or graceful animals. Its precise zoological identification is uncertain: traditional translations render it as 'greyhound,' following the interpretation of an athletic, slender, swift animal, but others have suggested a warhorse, rooster, or even a strutting bird. The meaning is closely linked to the animal's notable, girded midsection and proud walk. The root suggestion associates it with being encircled or girded, possibly describing the animal's physical appearance (slender waist or a belt-like marking). English translations that render it as 'greyhound' are speculative and reflect early modern understanding more than ancient specifics. The term is unique to Proverbs and does not recur in other Israelite historical or ritual contexts, remaining a rare and somewhat enigmatic zoological term.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
by reduplication from זוּר; properly, tightly girt, i.e. probably a racer, or some fleet animal (as being slender in the waist); [phrase] greyhound.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
זור (z-w-r) — to gird, encircle, surround
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2114 | זוּר | with foreign ones |
| H2115 | זוּר | she will press her |
| H2116 | זוּרֶה | the winnowed one |
| H4204 | מָזוֹר | wound |
| H4205 | מָזוֹר | binding bandage |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2223-01 |
זַרְזִ֣יר | zarezir | HNcmsc |
strutting rooster | girded swift-beast of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2223-01 |
Proverbs 30:31 | זַרְזִ֣יר | zarezir | HNcmsc |
strutting rooster | girded swift-beast of |