Lexical Summary Zuzim: Zuzim Original Word: זוּזַים Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zuzims Plural probably from the same as ziyz; prominent; Zuzites, an aboriginal tribe of Palestine -- Zuzims. see HEBREW ziyz NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as ziz Definition a people E. of the Jordan NASB Translation Zuzim (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs זוּזִים proper name, of a people an ancient trans-Jordanic people, dwelling in הָם Genesis 14:5; otherwise unknown; abode apparently in (later) land of Ammon, between Bashan and Moab; commonly supposed = זַמְזֻמִּים q. v., in that case perhaps text error in one case or the other, compare NöUntersuchungen z. Kritik d. A. T. 162. — (ᵐ5 ἔθνη ἰσχυρά). — On proper name, of a location Ζιζα,  , between Bosra and Lejûn, compare Kn Di on the passage, TristrMoab 182 ff. Topical Lexicon Biblical ReferenceThe sole occurrence is Genesis 14:5, where the Zuzim are named among the peoples defeated by the eastern coalition led by Chedorlaomer: “In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim” (Berean Standard Bible). Geographical Setting The defeat took place “in Ham,” a locality situated east of the Jordan River, generally associated with the plateau between Bashan and Moab. This Transjordanian region features repeatedly in the conquest narratives (Numbers 21; Deuteronomy 2), emphasizing its strategic importance along the King’s Highway and its suitability for pasture. Ethnic Connections and Alternate Names Deuteronomy 2:20–21 links the Zuzim with the Rephaim, an ancient people of unusual stature, and reports that the Ammonites called them “Zamzummim.” The parallel names suggest a single ethnic group known by variant designations among neighboring nations. Both labels position the people within the larger Rephaim tradition, remembered for formidable size and strength (cf. Deuteronomy 3:11 regarding Og of Bashan). Historical Context in Genesis 14 Genesis 14 records the first military campaign narrated in Scripture. The eastern kings—Chedorlaomer of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel of Shinar, and Arioch of Ellasar—swept through a corridor of tribes to reassert regional dominance after a thirteen–year rebellion. That Abraham’s nephew Lot becomes entangled in their advance provides the narrative bridge for Abraham’s rescue mission (Genesis 14:12–16). Within this sweep, the Zuzim’s defeat testifies to the broad scope of Chedorlaomer’s reach and the vulnerability of even warrior peoples to God’s sovereign direction of history. Theological and Ministry Implications 1. Divine Sovereignty over Nations The mention of an otherwise obscure tribe underscores that every people group, however briefly noted, lies within God’s providential oversight (Acts 17:26). Their appearance in the text confirms the trustworthiness of Scripture’s historical detail. 2. Foreshadowing Israel’s Future Conquests Chedorlaomer’s triumph over the Zuzim anticipates Israel’s later victories in the same region. Moses recalls that the descendants of Lot (the Ammonites) dispossessed the Zamzummim (Deuteronomy 2:19–21), affirming that God grants territory according to His covenant purposes. 3. Spiritual Warfare Paradigm The rout of the Zuzim, followed by Abraham’s victory over the invaders, supplies an early pattern: worldly powers may seem invincible, yet faith–fueled obedience prevails (2 Corinthians 10:3–5). The episode encourages believers to meet opposition with confidence in divine enablement rather than human resource. Lessons for Today • Obscure does not equal irrelevant. Even peoples mentioned once serve God’s redemptive storyline, reminding ministers that every individual and culture matters to the Lord. Forms and Transliterations הַזּוּזִ֖ים הזוזים haz·zū·zîm hazzuZim hazzūzîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 14:5 HEB: קַרְנַ֔יִם וְאֶת־ הַזּוּזִ֖ים בְּהָ֑ם וְאֵת֙ NAS: in Ashteroth-karnaim and the Zuzim in Ham KJV: in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, INT: the Rephaim Ashteroth-karnaim and the Zuzim Ham and the Emim 1 Occurrence |
    |