Lexical Summary zaman: To appoint, to prepare, to determine Original Word: זָמַן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance appoint A primitive root; to fix (a time) -- appoint. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom zamam Definition to be fixed, appointed NASB Translation appointed (4), fixed (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [זָמַן] verb (Aramaic and late) only Pu`al Participle be fixed, appointed, of time (Arabic Topical Lexicon Root Idea and Semantic Range זָמַן conveys the act of fixing a time, appointing, or setting in order. It is consistently used of deliberate scheduling for covenantal or communal duties rather than casual arrangements. The stem stresses purposeful preparation that enables obedience to God’s revealed will. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Ezra 10:14 – leaders “appoint” times to examine marriages with foreign wives, ensuring the reform is carried out justly and thoroughly. Historical Setting All three uses fall within the post-exilic reforms led by Ezra and Nehemiah (fifth century B.C.). These leaders were rebuilding not merely walls and structures but covenant life. Precise scheduling was essential for a dispersed, recently returned population learning again to live under the Law of Moses in their own land. Worship and Community Order The wood-offering texts show that even the mundane task of stocking fuel for the altar required orderly participation from every family line. “We cast lots … to bring it into the house of our God at appointed times year by year” (Nehemiah 10:34). Regularity safeguarded perpetual sacrifice, pointing to uninterrupted fellowship with God. Neglect of these appointments in Nehemiah 13 provoked reform, illustrating how lapses in practical service can erode spiritual life. Judicial Administration In Ezra 10 the verb governs a legal process: each offender appears “at the appointed time” before local elders. The careful timetable prevents mob justice while still dealing firmly with sin. Thus זָמַן links righteous procedure with covenant purity. Theological Significance 1. God of Order: By embedding appointments in communal life, Scripture reflects the orderly character of God (compare 1 Corinthians 14:33). Foreshadowing in Redemptive History The rhythm of appointed times anticipates the fullness of time when the Father sent the Son (Galatians 4:4). Just as post-exilic Israel organized continual sacrifices, Christ became the once-for-all sacrifice, perfectly timed in God’s plan. The concept also echoes in Acts 17:26, where God “appointed their times” for every nation, underscoring His sovereign timetable. Ministry Applications Today • Establish clear, accountable schedules for corporate worship and service; faithfulness in small duties sustains spiritual vitality. Conclusion זָמַן highlights the necessity of divinely guided planning within covenant life. Whether ensuring pure marriages or fueling the altar’s fire, appointed times anchor the community in obedience, reflect God’s orderly nature, and pave the way for the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive schedule in Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations מְזֻמָּנ֖וֹת מְזֻמָּנִ֔ים מְזֻמָּנִ֖ים מזמנות מזמנים mə·zum·mā·nîm mə·zum·mā·nō·wṯ mezummaNim məzummānîm mezummaNot məzummānōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 10:14 HEB: יָבֹא֙ לְעִתִּ֣ים מְזֻמָּנִ֔ים וְעִמָּהֶ֛ם זִקְנֵי־ NAS: come at appointed times, KJV: come at appointed times, INT: come times appointed together the elders Nehemiah 10:34 Nehemiah 13:31 3 Occurrences |
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continue, Aramaic Pa`el זַמֵּן, 
summon to fixed time or place, invite, appoint; compare זִמָ֑ן below) — עִתִּים מְזֻמָּנִים