2099. Ziv

Lexical Summary

Ziv: Ziv

Original Word: זִו
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Ziv
Pronunciation: zeev
Phonetic Spelling: (zeev')
KJV: Zif
NASB: Ziv
Word Origin: [probably from an unused root meaning to be prominent]

1. (properly) brightness, i.e. (figuratively) the month of flowers
2. Ziv (corresponding to Ijar or May)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Zif

Probably from an unused root meaning to be prominent; properly, brightness (compare ziyv), i.e. (figuratively) the month of flowers; Ziv (corresponding to Ijar or May) -- Zif.

see HEBREW ziyv

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
the second month of the Jewish calendar
NASB Translation
Ziv (2).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

זִר apparently proper name of 2nd month, = approximately April-May, named as month of beginning the temple building; בְּחֹדֶשׁ זִו הוּא הַחֹדֶשׁ הַשֵּׁנִי 1 Kings 6:1 = בְּיֶרַח זִ֑ו 1 Kings 6:37; ᵐ5 B 1 Kings 6:1 has simply ἐν μηνὶ τῷ δευτέρῳ, 1 Kings 6:37 (in ᵐ5 1 Kings 6:4) ἐν μηνὶ Νεισῷ καὶ τῷ δευτέρῳ μηνί ᵐ5 Manuscripts ἐν μηνὶ Ζιου μηνὶ τῷ δευτέρῳ; ᵐ5^L (only 1 Kings 6:37) ἐν δευτέρῳ μηνί, ἐν μηνὶ Ζιου; — (si vera lectio compare perhaps Aramaic זִיו brightness, freshness, so Biblical Aramaic Daniel 2:31 +; compare ᵑ7 יֶרַח זִיו נִיצָנַיָּא month of brightness of flowers; Assyrian zîmu (zîvu), Dl^{Pr 152 f.} compare Nö^{ZMG 1886, 732}; Thes and others derive זִו, זִיו ( = זְהִיו) from זהה in sense be bright, splendid, etc., compare Arabic increase, thrive (of seed-produce), a beautiful and bright, or fresh, plant; Aramaic זְהָא, adjective זָהוֺהָא haughty, proud; glory, boast, be magnificent; yet compare Ol^{§ 174 near the end})

זוֺ, זוּ.

Topical Lexicon

Meaning Within Israel’s Sacred Calendar

Ziv designates the second month of the ancient Hebrew calendar, situated in the bright flowering of late spring (April–May). The name evokes “splendor” and “radiance,” a fitting description of Israel’s landscape during the season when rains subside and new growth flourishes. Although post-exilic writings adopt the Babylonian name Iyyar, the inspired text preserves “Ziv” to anchor the record of the Temple construction in Solomon’s reign.

Biblical Occurrences

• 1 Kings 6:1 – “In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv (which is the second month), he began to build the house of the LORD.”
• 1 Kings 6:37 – “In the fourth year the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid in the month of Ziv.”

These two occurrences frame the commencement and foundational completion of the Temple, underscoring Ziv’s association with beginnings, preparation, and covenant worship.

Historical Background

1. Agricultural Setting
• Spring barley had been harvested in Abib (Nisan); wheat ripened during Ziv.
• The dry season’s onset enabled large construction projects, making Ziv ideal for laying stone foundations.

2. Political Climate
• Solomon’s early reign enjoyed peace (1 Kings 4:24-25), allowing resources and labor to concentrate on the Temple.
• Israel was unified, foreshadowing the Temple’s role as national and spiritual center.

3. Post-Exilic Shift
• After Babylonian captivity the month became “Iyyar,” but scribes retained “Ziv” in Kings to preserve covenant memory tied to Solomon’s obedience.

Theological Significance

1. Covenant Continuity
• Beginning the Temple in Ziv links Exodus deliverance (date marked in 1 Kings 6:1) to the permanent dwelling of God among His people, highlighting progression from tabernacle mobility to Temple permanence.
• The specific dating affirms the historical reliability of the narrative and God’s faithfulness “480 years” after Exodus.

2. Symbolism of Light and Growth
• “Splendor” echoes the glory to fill the Temple (1 Kings 8:10-11); physical brightness parallels spiritual illumination.
• Spring growth mirrors the expanding wisdom and kingdom of Solomon (1 Kings 4:29-34) and, by extension, the growth of God’s kingdom purposes.

3. Foundations Laid
• The laying of the foundation in Ziv (1 Kings 6:37) anticipates Jesus Christ as the ultimate foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11) and believers as “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5).
• A secure foundation in the season of “splendor” points to the unshakeable nature of God’s redemptive plan.

Broader Biblical Connections to the Second Month

Although the term “Ziv” is unique to Kings, Scripture attributes significant events to “the second month”:
• Wilderness manna first given (Exodus 16:1) – divine provision.
• Census for organizing the camp (Numbers 1:1-18) – preparation for warfare and inheritance.
• Provision of a second-chance Passover (Numbers 9:6-13) – gracious accommodation for those ceremonially unclean.
• Hezekiah’s late Passover revival (2 Chronicles 30:2-13) – national reform.

These parallels reinforce Ziv as a period of divine grace, preparation, and fresh commitment.

Typological and Prophetic Insights

• Just as Solomon’s workers hewed stones at the quarry so “no sound of hammer or chisel” was heard at the site (1 Kings 6:7), the Spirit presently shapes believers in the hidden quarry of daily life to fit them for the heavenly Temple (Revelation 21:2-3).
• Ziv’s brightness anticipates the eschatological glory when “the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light” (Revelation 21:23).

Applications for Faith and Practice

1. Laying Foundations: Ministries and families are exhorted to begin endeavours with deliberate dedication, mirroring Solomon’s careful timing and planning in Ziv.
2. Celebrating God’s Timing: Recognizing seasons of growth encourages believers to cooperate with divine rhythms rather than forcing their own calendars.
3. Second Chances: The allowance of a Passover in the second month foreshadows the gospel’s invitation to those who missed earlier opportunities—God’s mercy extends beyond first failures.
4. Building for God’s Glory: As Solomon’s workers focused on permanence and excellence, servants of Christ today build with materials that withstand testing—“gold, silver, and precious stones” (1 Corinthians 3:12-14).

Summary

Ziv stands as more than a chronological marker; it is a theological signpost. Its radiant name, agricultural context, and placement in Israel’s calendar converge to highlight themes of preparation, covenant fulfillment, and burgeoning glory. From the laying of Solomon’s Temple foundation to the contemporary call to build lives upon Christ, Ziv invites God’s people into seasons where new work begins and divine splendor is anticipated.

Forms and Transliterations

זִ֗ו זִֽו׃ זו זו׃ Ziv ziw

Englishman's Concordance

1 Kings 6:1
HEB: הָרְבִיעִ֜ית בְּחֹ֣דֶשׁ זִ֗ו ה֚וּא הַחֹ֣דֶשׁ
NAS: in the month of Ziv which
KJV: in the month Zif, which [is] the second
INT: the fourth the month of Ziv which month

1 Kings 6:37
HEB: יְהוָ֑ה בְּיֶ֖רַח זִֽו׃
NAS: was laid, in the month of Ziv.
KJV: laid, in the month Zif:
INT: of the LORD the month of Ziv

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 2099
2 Occurrences

ziw — 2 Occ.