Lexical Summary zereth: Span Original Word: זֶרֶת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance span From zarah; the spread of the fingers, i.e. A span -- span. see HEBREW zarah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a span NASB Translation span (7). Brown-Driver-Briggs זֶ֫רֶת noun feminine span (Late Hebrew id. (ᵑ7 זַרְתָּא, Syriac  ; apparently from Hebrew), etymology dubious; Thes and most derive from √ זרה, see Ol§ 146 b but also Sta§ 187 a; BaZMG 1887, 607 proposes √ זרה measure off, determine, compare p. 280) — span, as standard of measurement, תִּכֵּן ׳שָׁמַיִם בַּז Isaiah 40:12; elsewhere of actual size, a span, distance between ends of thumb and little finger of spread hand; = 1/2 cubit (see אַמָּה & references; compare Exodus 25:10 with JosephAnt. iii. 6, 5), ׳ז Exodus 28:16 (twice in verse); Exodus 39:9 (twice in verse) (all P) Ezekiel 43:13; זָ֑רֶת 1 Samuel 17:4 six cubits and a span. See HultschMetrol. 1882, 443 BenzArchäol. 179. Topical Lexicon Overview and Measurement Significance זֶרֶת designates the “span,” the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is fully out-stretched. In Scripture the span functions as a practical unit of length, roughly half a cubit. Its presence in key passages ties daily human experience to divine revelation, reminding readers that God communicates in concrete terms that His people can grasp. The High Priest’s Breastpiece (Exodus 28:16; 39:9) The first two occurrences fix the dimensions of the Breastpiece of Judgment: “a span long and a span wide.” By specifying a square equal on every side, the Lord establishes perfect symmetry over the heart of the High Priest. The span therefore frames a visible symbol of balance, equity, and completeness in intercession. No tribe is closer or farther from the mediator’s heart; each gem, engraved with a name of Israel, fits within the measured square. The span here thus becomes a reminder that God’s justice is exact and impartial, and that the priestly ministry is governed by the precise standards of the Lord, not by human preference. Goliath’s Height (1 Samuel 17:4) Goliath’s stature—“six cubits and a span”—conveys intimidation. The unit that once defined priestly order now underscores human arrogance. The narrative contrasts the giant’s towering measure with David’s faith. By adding the span after six full cubits, Scripture subtly hints that even the greatest earthly strength is still measured and limited. The God who sets the span on the breastpiece also sets a limit to the Philistine’s height and, ultimately, to his power. Divine Sovereignty Over Creation (Isaiah 40:12) “Who has… marked off the heavens with a span?” In the prophetic context the span magnifies God’s transcendence. What is a full measure for humanity is but a convenience for the Almighty. The same unit that holds the gemstones of Israel and defines Goliath’s excess is effortlessly wielded by the Creator to lay out the cosmos. The prophet’s rhetorical question crushes idolatry and calls God’s people to trust the One whose hand alone sets the boundaries of sea and sky. Eschatological Worship and the Millennial Altar (Ezekiel 43:13) In Ezekiel’s temple vision, “a rim of one span” surrounds the altar. The measurement reappears in a future context, linking past worship patterns to promised restoration. The span-sized rim protects sacrificial blood from spilling and delineates sacred space. Thus the span frames both the atoning work of the past and the foretold renewal of worship under Messiah’s reign, assuring continuity in God’s redemptive plan. Theological Threads 1. Measured Mercy: The span on the breastpiece illustrates that intercession is neither haphazard nor incomplete; God’s covenant love is precisely ordered. Practical Ministry Applications • Teaching Accuracy: Leaders can emphasize that biblical faith is rooted in revealed specifics—dimensions, names, dates—underscoring the reliability of Scripture. Conclusion Wherever it appears, זֶרֶת testifies that everything—from priestly garments to cosmic dimensions—falls within the purposeful measure of the Lord. The unit is small, yet its theological reach spans redemption history, pointing believers to a God who numbers the stars, fashions garments of mediation, topples proud giants, and secures future worship, all with the precise breadth of His hand. Forms and Transliterations בַּזֶּ֣רֶת בזרת וְזֶ֥רֶת וָזָֽרֶת׃ וזרת וזרת׃ זֶ֣רֶת זֶ֥רֶת זֶ֧רֶת זרת baz·ze·reṯ bazZeret bazzereṯ vaZaret veZeret wā·zā·reṯ wāzāreṯ wə·ze·reṯ wəzereṯ ze·reṯ Zeret zereṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 28:16 HEB: יִֽהְיֶ֖ה כָּפ֑וּל זֶ֥רֶת אָרְכּ֖וֹ וְזֶ֥רֶת NAS: [and] folded double, a span in length KJV: it shall be [being] doubled; a span [shall be] the length INT: become folded A span length span Exodus 28:16 Exodus 39:9 Exodus 39:9 1 Samuel 17:4 Isaiah 40:12 Ezekiel 43:13 7 Occurrences |
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