2237. zarar
Lexical Summary
zarar: To press, to crush, to bind

Original Word: זָרַר
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: zarar
Pronunciation: zah-RAHR
Phonetic Spelling: (zaw-rar')
KJV: sneeze
NASB: sneezed
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. perhaps to diffuse, i.e. (specifically) to sneeze

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 Origin
a 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.
2. Symbol of Completeness: The number seven often conveys completeness or perfection (Genesis 2:2-3; Revelation 1:4). Seven sneezes underline the thoroughness of God’s restorative work and leave no doubt that the child is fully alive.
3. Validation of Prophetic Ministry: Elisha had asked for a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit (2 Kings 2:9). This public sign shows the Lord’s endorsement of that request, reinforcing Israel’s obligation to heed prophetic revelation.

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.
• Expectation of Complete Restoration: The sevenfold sneeze encourages believers to expect not partial but complete answers when God chooses to act.
• Recognition of Divine Agency: Ministers must remember that observable signs (whether dramatic or ordinary) are gifts pointing back to God, not to human technique or merit.

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 wayzōwrêr
Links
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Englishman'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

Strong's Hebrew 2237
1 Occurrence


way·zō·w·rêr — 1 Occ.

2236b
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