זוּן

זוּן

perhaps properly, to be plump, i.e. (transitively) to nourish

Definition

The Hebrew verb זוּן (zûwn) is a rare word meaning 'to nourish' or 'to feed,' specifically in the sense of providing rich, sustaining food. It carries the connotation of feeding to the point of fattening or making plump, suggesting abundance and care in provision. Its only biblical occurrence is in Jeremiah 5:8, where it is used metaphorically to describe lustful men who, like well-fed stallions, are driven by their appetites. This single usage highlights a state of being fully satisfied or indulged, though in a negative, unrestrained context.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in Jeremiah 5:8. It appears in a prophetic oracle of judgment against Judah. The context is a vivid metaphor comparing lustful, adulterous men to 'well-fed, lusty stallions' (NIV) or 'fed horses' (KJV). The usage is figurative, not about literal animal husbandry, but employs the image of being richly nourished to critique a spiritual and moral condition of wild, indulgent passion.

Etymology

זוּן is a primitive root, meaning its origin is not derived from another Hebrew word. It is related to the concept of being fat or plump (זָן, zan). Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic and Arabic, with similar meanings related to nourishing or fattening. This root family consistently points to the idea of providing abundant sustenance that leads to physical thriving or fullness.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, זוּן contributes to the biblical theme of God as the ultimate nourisher and provider (e.g., Psalm 23:5). Its negative use in Jeremiah 5:8 presents a stark contrast: the people have been 'fed' and nourished by God's blessings, yet they have become like indulgent, wild animals in their rebellion. This enriches the reading of Jeremiah by showing how divine provision, when met with faithlessness, can lead not to gratitude but to uncontrolled sin. It serves as a warning about the spiritual danger of misusing God's gifts. In an ancient agrarian society, to 'fatten' an animal was a sign of wealth, care, and preparation—often for a purpose. A well-fed stallion was a powerful, valuable, but also potentially unruly asset. Jeremiah's audience would immediately understand the imagery: these men were like prized animals, physically vigorous and full of energy, but that vitality was misdirected into chaotic and sinful behavior, violating their covenant relationship with God. רָעָה (raʿah, H7462) — a more general term for tending, feeding, or shepherding, often used for both animals and people. כִּלְכֵּל (kilkel, H3557) — to sustain, provide, or nourish, often in the sense of maintenance or support. פִּרְנֵס (pirnes, H6440) — to supply with food, to sustain; used in later Hebrew and Aramaic.

Word Details