Lexical Summary zanaq: To leap, to spring Original Word: זָנַק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance leap A primitive root; properly, to draw together the feet (as an animal about to dart upon its prey), i.e. To spring forward -- leap. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to leap NASB Translation leaps (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [זָנַק] verb only Pi`el leap (Late Hebrew זִנֵּק cause to spring, spurt; Aramaic זֵעָה see יָזַע. זְעָוָה see זְוָעָה below זוּעַ. Topical Lexicon Root Concept and Imagery The verb זָנַק conveys the sudden, vigorous action of an animal that springs or leaps. Scripture employs it once to picture Dan as “a lion’s cub, leaping from Bashan” (Deuteronomy 33:22). The metaphor evokes energy, courage, and assertive movement that bursts forth from concealment. Biblical Usage • Deuteronomy 33:22 places the term in Moses’ final benedictions over the tribes. The blessing pairs the youthful strength of a “lion’s cub” with the dynamic verb, portraying Dan as forceful, alert, and capable of swift aggression when required. Historical Context Bashan, a fertile and forested highland east of the Sea of Galilee, was famed for robust livestock and strategic high ridges. The blessing may allude to: 1. Early migrations: Judges 18 recounts Dan’s relocation from the coastal plain to the extreme north, a daring venture comparable to a leap from the stronghold of Bashan toward new territory. Lion Motif and Tribal Identity Genesis 49:9 calls Judah a lion’s cub, associating royalty with leonine dominance. Moses’ blessing extends similar imagery to Dan, hinting that leadership qualities are not Judah’s alone. Yet the comparison is nuanced: Dan is a younger lion, agile and opportunistic rather than enthroned. Together with Jacob’s earlier prediction that Dan would “judge his people” (Genesis 49:16), the leap image underscores tactical prowess rather than regal authority. Prophetic and Theological Significance 1. Divine Enablement: The single occurrence underscores that every tribe, even one later infamous for idolatry (Judges 18; 1 Kings 12:30), was originally envisioned as mighty under God’s blessing. Applications for Ministry • Spiritual Readiness: Believers are called to “be strong in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:10). Like Dan’s sudden leap, effective ministry often requires decisive action birthed from practiced alertness. Related Scripture for Study Numbers 24:9; Genesis 49:16-18; Judges 18; 2 Samuel 17:10; Psalm 104:21; Proverbs 28:1; Revelation 7:4-8. Forms and Transliterations יְזַנֵּ֖ק יזנק yə·zan·nêq yezanNek yəzannêqLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 33:22 HEB: גּ֣וּר אַרְיֵ֑ה יְזַנֵּ֖ק מִן־ הַבָּשָֽׁן׃ NAS: whelp, That leaps forth from Bashan. KJV: whelp: he shall leap from Bashan. INT: whelp a lion's leaps from Bashan 1 Occurrence |
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throw, shoot, also bind) — Imperfect3masculine singular יְזַנֵּק מִןהַֿבָּשָׁן