Lexical Summary ziyz: Abundance, moving creature Original Word: זִיז Strong's Exhaustive Concordance abundance, wild beast From an unused root apparently meaning to be conspicuous; fulness of the breast; also a moving creature -- abundance, wild beast. Brown-Driver-Briggs I. זִיז noun masculinePsalm 80:14 collective moving things (i.e. beasts) (etymology & exact meaning still rather dubious, compare CheOP 472 and on Psalm 50:11; Thes and others v זוז; De Psalm 50:11 compare Assyrian zizânu, collective reptiles, DlS. 74 f. from a זִאזֵא compare II. זִיז noun [masculine] abundance, fulness: only מִזִּיז כְּבוֺדָהּ Isaiah 66:11 that ye may suck out and be delighted, from the abundance of her glory (i.e. of Jerusalem) (so Di and others; > Checritical note, and OP 472 f. Brd (compare Ew 'Euter'), who compare vulgar Arabic zîza, udder (breast, teat); this suits verb תָּמֹצּוּ and "" תִּינְקוּ וּשְׂבַעְתֶּם מִשֹּׁד, but is dubious in Hebrew, perhaps not Shemitic, see Dozyi. 619 a and references; also LagProph. Chald. who proposes, plausibly, מִבִּיזִ, compare Aramaic Topical Lexicon Overview The Hebrew noun זִיז (ziz) appears only three times in the Old Testament. In the Psalms it designates the roaming wildlife of open country, while in Isaiah it becomes a vivid metaphor for superabundant nourishment. Though the contexts differ, each use underscores God’s absolute ownership of creation and His generous provision for His covenant people. Occurrences in Scripture Psalm 50:11—“I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are Mine.” Psalm 80:13—“The boar from the forest ravages it, and the creatures of the field feed upon it.” Isaiah 66:11—“so that you may nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you may drink deeply and delight yourselves in her glorious abundance.” Semantic Nuances 1. Mobile wildlife (Psalms): In agrarian Israel the “creatures of the field” represent untamed life outside human control. The term evokes constant motion and independence. Theological Themes Divine Ownership. Psalm 50 rebukes formalistic worship by reminding Israel that sacrifices do not enrich God; the entire animal world already belongs to Him. Covenant Warning and Lament. Psalm 80 uses the same word to picture destructive beasts devouring the vine, a metaphor for hostile nations sent as discipline upon an unfaithful people. Restoration and Maternal Comfort. Isaiah 66 transforms זִיז into an image of maternal plenty, portraying the renewed Zion as a mother who satisfies her children with overflowing grace. Historical Context • Psalms 50 and 80 arise from temple-centered worship. Herding culture made wild animals both a literal and symbolic threat to crops and vineyards. Mention of זִיז would resonate with worshippers dependent on God to restrain such forces. Practical Ministry Insights 1. Worship Rooted in Stewardship. Since God already owns every זִיז, offerings become acts of gratitude, not attempts at manipulation (Psalm 50:7–15). Christological and Eschatological Overtones Jesus identifies Himself as the true vine (John 15:1), answering the Psalm 80 plea for restoration. At the same time He multiplies loaves and fishes, embodying the Isaiah promise of overflowing nourishment. The climactic vision of Revelation 21–22 merges both strands: creation is fully reconciled, and the New Jerusalem becomes the eternal source of life. Related Concepts and Cross-References Genesis 1:24–25—original creation of “living creatures” parallels the Psalm usage. Deuteronomy 32:10–14—God’s care in the wilderness anticipates Isaiah’s maternal picture. Matthew 6:26—“Look at the birds of the air” echoes Psalm 50:11, grounding confidence in providence. Summary Whether denoting wild beasts roaming free or the lavish sustenance of a restored city, זִיז consistently magnifies the Lord’s sovereignty and generosity. From warning to comfort, the term invites believers to trust the Creator who both governs every living thing and richly supplies His people’s deepest needs. Forms and Transliterations וְזִ֖יז וְזִ֥יז וזיז מִזִּ֥יז מזיז miz·zîz mizZiz mizzîz veZiz wə·zîz wəzîzLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 50:11 HEB: ע֣וֹף הָרִ֑ים וְזִ֥יז שָׂ֝דַ֗י עִמָּדִֽי׃ NAS: of the mountains, And everything that moves in the field KJV: of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field INT: bird of the mountains and everything of the field mine Psalm 80:13 Isaiah 66:11 3 Occurrences |
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move to and fro, agitate (compare זוע); others compare Assyrian zâzu, abundance see II. זוז, so even Di 
PS502, ביזא; Arabic 
pap).