זִו

זִו

Ziv (corresponding to Ijar or May)

Definition

Ziv is the name of the second month in the ancient Hebrew religious calendar, corresponding roughly to April-May on the modern Gregorian calendar. It is one of the few pre-exilic month names preserved in the Bible, used specifically in the context of dating King Solomon's temple construction. The name itself means 'brightness' or 'radiance,' and it is poetically associated with the month of flowers, a time of spring bloom in Israel. In the biblical text, it is used exclusively to mark the beginning of the temple's construction (1 Kings 6:1) and the laying of its foundation (1 Kings 6:37).

Biblical Usage

The word זִו (Ziv) appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times in 1 Kings 6. It functions solely as a proper noun for a month name within historical narrative, providing chronological framework. In 1 Kings 6:1, it dates the commencement of building the temple in the 480th year after the Exodus. In 1 Kings 6:37, it marks the completion of the temple's foundation. Its usage is confined to this specific, monumental event in Israel's history.

Etymology

The word זִו (Ziv) likely derives from an unused Hebrew root meaning 'to be prominent' or 'to shine.' It is related to the noun זִיו (ziw, H2122), which means 'brightness,' 'splendor,' or 'countenance' (as in Daniel 1:15). The name thus figuratively denotes the 'month of brightness,' referring to the radiant spring flowers and the increasing daylight of that season. After the Babylonian exile, this Canaanite/Hebrew month name was largely replaced by the Babylonian name 'Iyar.'

Semantic Range

While primarily a calendar term, Ziv holds theological significance as a divinely appointed timestamp for the fulfillment of God's promise. The precise dating of the temple's foundation in the month of 'Brightness' (1 Kings 6:37) during Solomon's reign marks a high point in Israel's history, representing God dwelling among His people. It connects the orderly construction of His house to the order of His creation and calendar. Understanding this name enriches reading by highlighting how even timekeeping was woven into the narrative of God's covenant faithfulness. In its original setting, Ziv was part of an agricultural calendar tied to Canaanite and early Israelite seasons. Its meaning—'brightness' or 'flowers'—directly reflects the climate of ancient Israel, where this month was characterized by the late spring bloom and the end of the barley harvest. This contrasts with the later, post-exilic calendar which used Babylonian month names (like Iyar). The name itself is a cultural artifact of pre-exilic Israelite life. אִיָּר (Iyar, H0204*) — The Babylonian name for the same second month, adopted after the exile. חֹדֶשׁ (chodesh, H2320) — The generic Hebrew word for 'month' or 'new moon.' עֵת (et, H6256) — A more general term for 'time' or 'season.'

Word Details