Lexical Summary zimrah: best products Original Word: זִמְרָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance best fruit From zamar; pruned (i.e. Choice) fruit -- best fruit. see HEBREW zamar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition perhaps choice products NASB Translation best products (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. זִמְרָה noun feminine of uncertain meaning, perhaps choice products (compare DHM above), of various fruits, etc. מִזִּמְרַת הארץ Genesis 43:11; ᵐ5 οἱ καρποί, so MV Str.; > music, or praise of the land, figurative for produce (√ I. זמר) Thes Tu Kn SS. — I. ׳ז see below I. זמרUncertain in derivatives are the five following: — Topical Lexicon Meaning in Context Zimrah denotes produce that is both select and praiseworthy—items that stand out for their excellence and, by extension, express honor to the one who receives them. In patriarchal culture, agricultural products were not merely commodities; they were tokens of goodwill, covenant, and reverence. Thus zimrah signals something more than ordinary fare: it is the cream of the harvest, the “song” of the land offered in tangible form. Single Biblical Occurrence Genesis 43:11 situates zimrah in Jacob’s instructions to his sons as they return to Egypt: “Then their father Israel said to them, ‘If it must be so, then do this: put some of the best products of the land in your bags—take some balm, some honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds…’ ”. By sending zimrah, Jacob seeks to appease the mysterious Egyptian official (Joseph) and secure provision for his family during famine. The text highlights: Historical and Cultural Significance 1. Diplomatic Custom: In the Ancient Near East, high-grade produce signaled peaceful intent and honored status. Comparable exchanges appear in 1 Kings 10:2 and 2 Samuel 8:2, where tribute and gifts cement political alliances. Theological Themes • Providence and Responsibility: While God sovereignly orchestrates Joseph’s rise in Egypt, Jacob still acts wisely, embodying the balance of divine sovereignty and human responsibility (Philippians 2:12–13). Practical Ministry Applications 1. Stewardship: Encourage believers to honor God and others with quality, not leftovers. Excellence in giving reflects the character of a generous God (2 Corinthians 9:7–8). Devotional Insights • The best of the land reminds us to offer the best of our lives—time, talents, treasures—in gratitude for God’s faithfulness. Summary Zimrah, though appearing only once, embodies a rich theology of excellence, worshipful giving, and faith-filled diplomacy. Its solitary usage in Genesis 43:11 invites God’s people across generations to honor the Lord—and one another—by willingly parting with the choicest portions entrusted to them. Forms and Transliterations מִזִּמְרַ֤ת מזמרת miz·zim·raṯ mizzimRat mizzimraṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 43:11 HEB: עֲשׂוּ֒ קְח֞וּ מִזִּמְרַ֤ת הָאָ֙רֶץ֙ בִּכְלֵיכֶ֔ם NAS: some of the best products of the land KJV: this; take of the best fruits in the land INT: do take of the best of the land your bags 1 Occurrence |
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