Lexical Summary zer: Crown, border, molding Original Word: זֵר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance crown From zarar (in the sense of scattering); a chaplet (as spread around the top), i.e. (specifically) a border moulding -- crown. see HEBREW zarar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom zur Definition circlet, border NASB Translation border (2), molding (8). Brown-Driver-Briggs זֵר noun masculine circlet, border (originally that which presses, binds, compare also Aramaic  bracelet, זִירָא wreath, crown, Late Hebrew זִיר id., זִירָה ring, wrestler's ring; others from a √ זרר) — זֵר זֵהָב Exodus 25:11,24,25; Exodus 30:3; Exodus 37:2,11,12,26; זֵרוֺ Exodus 30:4; Exodus 37:27 (all P). Topical Lexicon Definition and Concept זֵר denotes the ornamental gold molding or border encircling select pieces of Tabernacle furniture. Unlike the functional rings and poles, the זֵר served no utilitarian purpose of transport; its role was aesthetic, symbolic, and theological, marking certain objects with a visible “crown.” Occurrences and Immediate Contexts Ark of the Covenant – Exodus 25:11; 37:2 Table of the Bread of the Presence – Exodus 25:24-25; 37:11-12 Altar of Incense – Exodus 30:3-4; 37:26-27 Each occurrence appears exclusively in the instructions for, and fabrication of, these three furnishings. The repetition underscores the deliberate limitation of the זֵר to items situated within the Holy Place and Holy of Holies, never in the outer court. Construction and Material Every instance specifies pure gold. Gold in the Tabernacle consistently represents incorruptibility and divine glory. The זֵר, being fashioned of the same metal as the overlay, gave a unified yet highlighted appearance—much like a crown that is both part of and distinct from the head it adorns. Architectural Function 1. Visual demarcation – By creating a raised border, the molding defined sacred space on the object itself, setting apart what lay within from what lay without. Symbolic and Theological Significance “Crown” imagery – The gold molding anticipates later biblical connections between kingship and holiness (Psalm 132:18; Revelation 19:12). In Exodus it bestows royal dignity upon the furnishings that mediate God’s presence. Boundary of holiness – The זֵר serves as a microcosmic veil, reminding worshipers that approach to God requires recognition of His set-apart nature. Continuity of redemption – The same crown motif encircles ark, table, and altar; thus atonement (ark), fellowship (table), and intercession (altar) are indivisible strands of one redemptive plan. Typological and Christological Insights Ark: “There I will meet with you” (Exodus 25:22). The crown anticipates the exaltation of the One who would become the true meeting place between God and man (John 1:14; Hebrews 9:11-12). Table: The crowned table foreshadows Jesus, “the bread of life” (John 6:35), whose kingship nourishes believers. Altar of Incense: Incense rising within its golden crown prefigures the perpetual intercession of the risen Christ (Hebrews 7:25). Thus the three crowns converge in Him who wears “many crowns” (Revelation 19:12). Practical Ministry Applications Reverence in worship – The זֵר challenges modern congregations to preserve visible and invisible markers of God’s holiness. Integrated discipleship – A balanced ministry holds together atonement, fellowship, and prayer, encircling all with the recognition of Christ’s lordship. Leadership ethos – Those who serve near holy things should do so with the humility of stewards, not owners; the crown belongs to the furniture, not the craftsman. Related Biblical Themes 1. Crowns: Victor’s wreath (2 Timothy 4:8), royal diadem (Isaiah 62:3). Summary זֵר is more than decorative art; it is an enacted parable of divine kingship and separation unto holiness. By crowning the ark, table, and altar, Scripture links propitiation, communion, and supplication under one golden circlet that ultimately points to the Lord Jesus Christ, the crowned Mediator who brings His people into the presence of God with confidence and awe. Forms and Transliterations זֵ֥ר זֵר־ זר זר־ לְזֵר֗וֹ לזרו lə·zê·rōw lezeRo ləzêrōw zer zêr zêr-Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 25:11 HEB: וְעָשִׂ֧יתָ עָלָ֛יו זֵ֥ר זָהָ֖ב סָבִֽיב׃ NAS: a gold molding around KJV: it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold INT: shall make and molding A gold around Exodus 25:24 Exodus 25:25 Exodus 30:3 Exodus 30:4 Exodus 37:2 Exodus 37:11 Exodus 37:12 Exodus 37:26 Exodus 37:27 10 Occurrences |
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