זָרַר

זָרַר

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

Definition

The Hebrew verb זָרַר (zârar) is a rare word that appears only once in the Old Testament. Its primary meaning is understood as 'to sneeze,' describing the physical act of expelling air suddenly and involuntarily through the nose and mouth. The context in 2 Kings 4:35 suggests this action is a sign of returning life and breath, as the Shunammite's son sneezes seven times before opening his eyes after being revived by the prophet Elisha. While some older lexicons suggest a broader sense like 'to diffuse' or 'to scatter,' the specific biblical usage clearly points to the act of sneezing as a significant physical indicator.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in 2 Kings 4:35. It describes the action of the revived boy in the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman. The usage is narrative and descriptive, capturing a precise moment in a miracle story. The sevenfold sneezing serves as a dramatic, sequential precursor to the boy's full restoration to life.

Etymology

זָרַר (zârar) is a primitive root. It is possibly related to the root זור (zûr, H2114), which means 'to be strange' or 'to turn aside,' though the connection is not entirely clear. The development of meaning to 'sneeze' may be onomatopoeic, imitating the sound of a sneeze, or it may relate to the concept of a sudden expulsion or scattering of air.

Semantic Range

While the word itself simply means 'to sneeze,' its single biblical occurrence carries theological weight. In 2 Kings 4:35, the sneeze is not a mundane detail but a divinely orchestrated sign within a resurrection miracle. It marks the moment when God's life-giving power, mediated through Elisha, physically reanimates the boy. Understanding this Hebrew term highlights how God's miraculous work can be attested through ordinary, physical human responses, emphasizing the tangible reality of the prophet's God-given authority and the restoration of life. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a sneeze could be viewed as more than a mere reflex. It was often seen as a significant physical event, sometimes associated with life, breath (רוּחַ, rûach), or even omens. In this specific story, the sevenfold sneeze—seven being a number of completeness—would have powerfully signaled to the original audience the thorough and complete return of the boy's vital breath and consciousness, confirming the success of Elisha's prophetic intervention. There are no direct Hebrew synonyms for 'to sneeze' in the Biblical text. The action is uniquely described by זָרַר in its sole occurrence.

Word Details