זוּרֶה
trodden on
Definition
The noun זוּרֶה (zûwreh) refers to something that has been trodden or crushed underfoot. It describes an object that has been pressed down, trampled, or broken by force, often resulting in a state of ruin or worthlessness. In its sole biblical occurrence in Isaiah 59:5, it is used metaphorically to describe the 'eggs of a viper' that hatch into evil, suggesting something that is not only physically crushed but also morally corrupt and destructive. The term conveys a sense of being rendered useless or harmful through violent pressure.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 59:5. It is used in a prophetic context where Isaiah condemns the people's sinfulness. The verse states, 'They hatch the eggs of vipers and weave the spider's web; whoever eats their eggs dies, and from that which is crushed (זוּרֶה) a viper breaks out.' Here, the word is part of a vivid metaphor for generating evil and deadly consequences from corrupt actions. The usage is poetic and emphasizes the fruit of wickedness.
Etymology
זוּרֶה (zûwreh) is derived from the root verb זוּר (zûr, H2115), which means 'to press, squeeze, or crush.' This root conveys the action of applying pressure, often with a negative connotation of oppression or destruction. The noun form specifically denotes the state or result of that crushing action. Cognate words in related Semitic languages also carry meanings of pressing or trampling.
Semantic Range
Theologically, this word highlights the biblical theme that sin produces destructive and deadly results. In Isaiah 59:5, it illustrates how evil intentions ('hatching viper eggs') lead to outcomes that are crushed and broken, yet still venomous—symbolizing the pervasive and poisonous nature of sin. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading by emphasizing that sin is not merely passive but actively generates ruin and harm, separating humanity from God, as the broader context of Isaiah 59:1-8 discusses.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, trampling or crushing something underfoot was a common image for total defeat, contempt, or rendering something worthless. Vipers were feared as deadly creatures, and their eggs symbolized hidden danger. The metaphor in Isaiah would have resonated strongly, conveying that engaging in sin is like nurturing something inherently destructive that ultimately breaks forth with lethal force, contrasting with values of righteousness and life.
דָּכָא (dākā', H1794) — to crush or break in pieces, often with a sense of humility or contrition; רָעַץ (rāʿaṣ, H7533) — to smash or shatter, typically with violent force; שָׁבַר (šāḇar, H7665) — to break, burst, or crush, frequently used for breaking objects or spirits.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →