Definition and Significance
Zayin is the seventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet and holds significant meaning in biblical texts and Jewish tradition. In the Hebrew language, each letter is not only a character but also carries a numerical value and symbolic meaning. Zayin represents the number seven, which is often associated with completion and perfection in the Bible, as seen in the seven days of creation (Genesis 1-2).

Symbolism
The shape of the letter Zayin is often likened to a sword or a weapon, symbolizing power and authority. This imagery is consistent with its use in the Hebrew Scriptures, where it can represent the concept of spiritual warfare and the protection of God. The letter is also associated with sustenance and nourishment, as the Hebrew word "zan," meaning "to sustain," begins with Zayin.

Biblical References
Zayin appears in the acrostic structure of Psalm 119, where each section begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The Zayin section (Psalm 119:49-56) emphasizes themes of remembrance, comfort, and adherence to God's law. The Berean Standard Bible translates these verses as follows:

"Remember Your word to Your servant, upon which You have given me hope. This is my comfort in affliction, that Your promise has given me life. The arrogant utterly deride me, but I do not turn from Your law. I remember Your judgments of old, O LORD, and in them I find comfort. Rage has taken hold of me because of the wicked who reject Your law. Your statutes are songs to me in the house of my pilgrimage. In the night, O LORD, I remember Your name, that I may keep Your law. This is my practice, for I obey Your precepts." (Psalm 119:49-56)

Theological Implications
The use of Zayin in Psalm 119 highlights the importance of God's word as a source of hope and comfort. The psalmist's reliance on divine promises amidst adversity reflects a deep trust in God's faithfulness. The imagery of Zayin as a weapon underscores the protective and sustaining power of Scripture in the believer's life.

Cultural and Historical Context
In Jewish tradition, the letter Zayin is often associated with the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week, which is a day of rest and spiritual renewal. The connection between Zayin and the Sabbath further emphasizes the themes of completion and divine provision.

Conclusion
Zayin, as the seventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet, carries rich symbolic meaning in the biblical narrative. Its representation of completion, spiritual warfare, and sustenance is woven throughout Scripture, offering insights into the nature of God's interaction with His people. The letter's presence in Psalm 119 serves as a reminder of the enduring power and comfort found in God's word.ZAYIN

za'-yin "z": The 7th letter of the Hebrew alphabet; transliterated in this Encyclopedia as "z". It came also to be used for the number 7. For name, etc., see ALPHABET.

Footnotes
... FINAL SIGMA}. 21 Orat. de Ordin., vol. ii. p.44. 22 {HEBREW LETTER
GIMEL}{HEBREW LETTER NUN}{HEBREW LETTER ZAYIN}. The Jews applied ...
//christianbookshelf.org/davidson/the canon of the bible/footnotes.htm

Transcriber's Note
... Alef = a Lahmed = l Bet = b Mem = m (final = M) Gimel = g Nun = n (final = N) Dalet =
d Samekh = s He = h Ahyin = i Vav = v Peh = p (final = P) Zayin = z Tsadi ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/transcribers note.htm

Zayin (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZAYIN. za'-yin ... ALPHABET. Multi-Version
Concordance Zayin (1 Occurrence). Psalms 119:49 ZAYIN. Remember ...
/z/zayin.htm - 6k

Acrostic (2 Occurrences)
... Text. The initials of 9:1, 3, 5 are respectively 'aleph, beth, gimel; of
9:9, 11, 13, 15, 17 waw, zayin, cheth, Teth and yodh. Psalm ...
/a/acrostic.htm - 15k

Zain (1 Occurrence)
... za'-in. See ZAYIN. Multi-Version Concordance Zain (1 Occurrence). Psalms 119:49
ZAYIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, Because thou hast made me to hope. ...
/z/zain.htm - 6k

Vajezatha (1 Occurrence)
... of Haman (Esther 9:9). The form has been held to be corrupt, the Hebrew letter waw
(w) being exceptionally tall, and the Hebrew letter zayin (z) exceptionally ...
/v/vajezatha.htm - 7k

Vaizatha (1 Occurrence)
... of Haman (Esther 9:9). The form has been held to be corrupt, the Hebrew letter waw
(w) being exceptionally tall, and the Hebrew letter zayin (z) exceptionally ...
/v/vaizatha.htm - 7k

Zaza (1 Occurrence)

/z/zaza.htm - 7k

Zavan (1 Occurrence)

/z/zavan.htm - 6k

Teth (1 Occurrence)
... transliterated in this Encyclopedia as "T" (a more intense "t"). It came also to
be used for the number 9; and with waw ("w") for 15, with zayin ("z") for 16 ...
/t/teth.htm - 7k

Alphabet (2 Occurrences)
... 1) 'aleph = ox; (2) beth = house (tent); (3) gimel = camel; (4) daleth = door;
(5) he = house; (6) waw = nail (Evans, tent peg); (7) zayin = weapon; (8) cheth ...
/a/alphabet.htm - 24k

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