Lexical Summary zarar: To press, to crush, to bind Original Word: זָרַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sneeze A primitive root (compare zuwr); perhaps to diffuse, i.e. (specifically) to sneeze -- sneeze. see HEBREW zuwr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to sneeze NASB Translation sneezed (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [זָרַר] verb only Po`el sneeze (compare זְרִירוֺ(ה)י ᵑ7 Job 41:10 for Hebrew עֲטִישֹׁתָיו; verb probably onomatopoetic); — וַיְזוֺרֵר הַנַּעַר עד שׁבע פעמים֯ 2 Kings 4:35 **omitted ᵐ5; Gr Bur think MT arose (by dittograph) from וַיִּגְהַר עַלהַֿנַּעַר. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Strong’s Hebrew 2237 זָרַר is attested once, in 2 Kings 4:35, where the Shunammite woman’s son, just raised by Elisha, “sneezed seven times, and the boy opened his eyes”. Narrative Context in 2 Kings 4 The verb marks the climactic moment in Elisha’s miracle of resurrection. After earnest intercession and physical identification with the lifeless child (2 Kings 4:32-34), Elisha paces the house in prayerful expectancy, returns, and again stretches himself upon the boy. The sudden sequence—seven sneezes followed by opened eyes—announces that breath has re-entered the body. The action confirms the prophet’s God-given authority and the Lord’s compassion toward a faithful household that had previously extended hospitality to His servant. Theological Significance 1. Restoration of Breath: Scripture consistently links breath with life given by God (Genesis 2:7; Ezekiel 37:5-6). Sneezing—an involuntary expulsion and intake of air—visibly demonstrates that divine breath has been restored. Symbolism of Sneezing in Scripture Although other Hebrew roots describe sneezing (for example עָטִישׁ, Job 41:18), all are tied to breath and vitality. In Job’s poetic description of Leviathan, “his snorting flashes forth light” (Job 41:18), presenting sneezing as a dramatic display of power. In 2 Kings 4, the act is a gentle but unmistakable witness to God’s life-giving power in human experience. Historical and Cultural Background Ancient Near Eastern peoples often regarded sneezing as an omen of life or death. Extra-biblical texts record incantations seeking divine favor when sneezing interrupted rituals. Against that background, the biblical narrative refrains from superstition. Instead, it presents sneezing as the natural evidence that the Creator has sovereignly returned life, demythologizing popular beliefs and directing glory to God alone. Implications for Ministry • Prayer-Saturated Service: Elisha’s pacing and persistence model persevering prayer for those ministering in situations that appear hopeless. Relationships with Other Hebrew Terms for Life and Breath זָרַר intersects conceptually with נְשָׁמָה (neshamah, breath), רוּחַ (ruach, spirit), and נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, soul). While those nouns describe the life principle itself, זָרַר depicts the reflexive action revealing that principle’s return. Together they form a rich tapestry testifying that life originates, is sustained, and can be restored only by the Lord. Cross-References to New Testament Themes Resurrection miracles under the New Covenant echo the pattern: personal compassion, physical proximity, and unmistakable evidence of life. Jesus touches Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5:41), commands the widow’s son at Nain (Luke 7:14-15), and calls Lazarus by name (John 11:43-44). Peter emulates his Master when he prays and then tells Tabitha to arise (Acts 9:40). Each incident, like Elisha’s, authenticates God’s messenger and prefigures the final resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Devotional Reflections The solitary appearance of זָרַר invites meditation on the quiet but decisive moments by which God reverses death’s grip. Whether in physical resurrection, spiritual regeneration, or daily renewal, He breathes life where none exists. Believers who witness even the “smallest sneeze” of revival in others are called to rejoice, give thanks, and proclaim, “The LORD lives, and blessed be my Rock” (Psalm 18:46). Forms and Transliterations וַיְזוֹרֵ֤ר ויזורר vayzoRer way·zō·w·rêr wayzōwrêrLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Kings 4:35 HEB: וַיִּגְהַ֣ר עָלָ֑יו וַיְזוֹרֵ֤ר הַנַּ֙עַר֙ עַד־ NAS: himself on him; and the lad sneezed seven KJV: himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven INT: and stretched and sneezed and the lad against 1 Occurrence |
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