Lexical Summary zemer: Mountain goat, chamois Original Word: זֶמֶר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance chamois Apparently from zamar or zamar; a gazelle (from its lightly touching the ground) -- chamois. see HEBREW zamar see HEBREW zamar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition perhaps a mountain sheep or goat NASB Translation mountain sheep (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [זֶ֫מֶר] noun [masculine] a certain animal allowed as food, most probably some kind of mountain-sheep or -goat (ᵑ6  ) וָזָמֶ֑ר Deuteronomy 14:5. (AV RV chamois: but see TristrDB 2. under the word, who points out that this is not a native of any Bible land.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Zoological Identification Zemer designates a species of wild caprid native to the rugged, arid ridges of the Levant—commonly identified with the Nubian ibex or a mountain sheep distinguished by long, backward-curving horns and remarkable agility on precipitous cliffs. The animal thrives where vegetation is sparse, demonstrating God’s provision for life in inhospitable terrain. Biblical Occurrence and Context The term appears once, in the dietary regulations of Deuteronomy 14:5, within the list of clean game animals Israel might eat: “the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep” (Berean Standard Bible). The single mention places zemer among diverse hoofed ruminants that both chew the cud and have a divided hoof—traits meeting the criteria of Leviticus 11:3. Covenantal and Dietary Significance 1. Affirmation of Holiness: Deuteronomy 14 repeats the refrain, “For you are a holy people to the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 14:2). By allowing the zemer, the Lord signals that even in the wilderness He grants wholesome options compatible with covenant sanctity. Historical and Cultural Background Ancient travelers such as Aristotle and later Roman writers noted agile wild goats in Judea’s cliffs. Rock art in the Negev often depicts horned ibexes, attesting to their prominence in local consciousness. Israelites trekking from Sinai to Moab (Numbers 20–21) would have observed these animals leaping across escarpments—visual reminders of God’s sustaining presence. Symbolic and Theological Reflections • Sure-Footed Confidence: Though a different Hebrew term is used, the picture of “the high mountains are for the wild goats” (Psalms 104:18) resonates with the zemer’s habitat. Believers draw encouragement from its nimble footing: “He makes my feet like those of a deer and stations me upon the heights” (Habakkuk 3:19). Practical Application for Ministry Today 1. Teaching Obedience: The single listing of zemer illustrates precision in God’s Word. Preachers can highlight how even one verse can influence daily conduct and diet, strengthening confidence in Scripture’s sufficiency. Related Scriptural Themes Deuteronomy 14; Leviticus 11; Psalms 104:18; Habakkuk 3:19; Matthew 5:14-16; Mark 7:18-23; Acts 10:9-16; Philippians 4:19 Forms and Transliterations וָזָֽמֶר׃ וזמר׃ vaZamer wā·zā·mer wāzāmerLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 14:5 HEB: וְדִישֹׁ֖ן וּתְא֥וֹ וָזָֽמֶר׃ NAS: the antelope and the mountain sheep. KJV: and the wild ox, and the chamois. INT: the ibex the antelope and the mountain 1 Occurrence |
    |