Original Word: זָקַק
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: zaqaq
Pronunciation: zah-KAHK
Phonetic Spelling: (zaw-kak')
Definition: to strain, extract, clarify
Meaning: To strain, extract, clarify

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G1383 (dokimion): A test, trial, or proving, often used in the context of testing faith.
• G1384 (dokimos): Approved, acceptable, particularly after being tested or tried.
• G1632 (ekchuno): To pour out, often used in the context of pouring out liquids, which can relate to the process of refining.
• G2022 (epichorēgeō): To supply or furnish, which can metaphorically relate to the provision of purity or refinement.
• G2511 (katharizō): To cleanse or purify, directly relating to the concept of removing impurities.

These Greek terms, while not direct translations, share thematic connections with the Hebrew concept of refining and purification, illustrating the broader biblical narrative of testing, proving, and purifying both materials and individuals.

Usage: The verb זָקַק (zaqaq) is used in the context of refining or purifying, often related to metals or other substances. It conveys the process of removing impurities to achieve a state of purity or clarity.

Context: The Hebrew verb זָקַק (zaqaq) appears in the Old Testament with the primary sense of refining or purifying, particularly in relation to metals such as silver and gold. This process involves heating the metal to a high temperature to separate impurities, resulting in a purer, more valuable product. The term is used metaphorically to describe the purification of individuals or groups, often in a spiritual or moral sense.

In the Berean Standard Bible, the concept of refining is illustrated in passages such as Psalm 12:6, which states, "The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, like gold purified sevenfold." Here, the purity and reliability of God's words are likened to the refined and purified state of precious metals.

Another example is found in Isaiah 48:10, where God declares, "See, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction." This passage uses the imagery of refining to describe the process of testing and purifying the people of Israel through trials and challenges.

The concept of זָקַק (zaqaq) underscores the biblical theme of purification, both in a physical and spiritual sense, emphasizing the value of purity and the transformative power of divine intervention.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to refine, purify
NASB Translation
distill (1), refine (2), refined (4).

I. [זָקַק] verb refine, purify **perhaps properly strain or filter through, compare Job 36:27; Isaiah 25:6. (Aramaic זְקַק; perhaps kindred with Assyrian za‡i‡u, wind, Asrb^{Annals vi. 64 and} Aramaic , זִיקָּא violent wind, violent rain with whirlwind) —

Qal Imperfect3masculine plural יָזֹ֫קּוּ Job 28:1 object זָהָב, Job 36:27 object מָטָר (see Di).

Pi`el Perfect וְזִקַּק consecutive Malachi 3:3 ("" וְטִהַר) figurative, of purifying sons of Levi, like gold and silver כְּזָהָב etc.

Pu`al Participle מְזֻקָּק refined, of gold 1 Chronicles 28:18, of silver 1 Chronicles 29:4: Psalm 12:7 (שׁבעתים ׳מ); of settled wines שְׁמָרִים מְזֻקָּקִים Isaiah 25:6.

II. זקק (Late Hebrew זָקַק bind, fetter, Aramaic זְקַק id.; compare (perhaps from idea of restraint) Arabic , Aramaic , זִיקָּא, זִיקוּקָא, Ethiopic all = (wine-) skin, etc.; also Late Hebrew זִיקָה, obligation; Aramaic ring).

fine, pour down, purge, purify, refine

A primitive root; to strain, (figuratively) extract, clarify -- fine, pour down, purge, purify, refine.

וְזִקַּ֣ק וזקק יָזֹ֖קּוּ יָזֹֽקּוּ׃ יזקו יזקו׃ מְ֝זֻקָּ֗ק מְזֻקָּ֔ק מְזֻקָּ֖ק מְזֻקָּקִֽים׃ מזקק מזקקים׃ mə·zuq·qā·qîm mə·zuq·qāq mezukKak mezukkaKim məzuqqāq məzuqqāqîm vezikKak wə·ziq·qaq wəziqqaq yā·zōq·qū yaZokku yāzōqqūInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts