Original Word: זָוִית
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: zaviyth
Pronunciation: zah-VEETH
Phonetic Spelling: (zaw-veeth')
Definition: Corner, angle
Meaning: an angle, a corner-column

cornerstone

Apparently from the same root as Ziv (in the sense of prominence); an angle (as projecting), i.e. (by implication) a corner-column (or anta) -- corner(stone).

see HEBREW Ziv

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
a corner
NASB Translation
corner (1), corners (1).

[זָוִית] noun feminine corner (late (Aramaic זָוִיתָא, (often for Hebrew מִּנָּה, מִקְצוֺעַ), hence, as loan-word (Frä^{Aramaic Fremdw. 11, 168}) Arabic ); — Plural absolute זָוִיּוֺת Psalm 144:12; construct זָוִיֹּת Zechariah 9:15; — וּמָֽלְאוּ כַמִּזְרָק כְּזָוִיֹּת מִוְבֵּךְַ Zechariah 9:15 simil. of warriors streaming with blood, see Leviticus 1:5,11 etc.; ׳בְּנוֺתֵינוּ כְּז ׳וגו Psalm 144:12 out daughters like corner (-pillar)s, carved (so Che and others, but see II. חטב) in palace-fashion.

Word Origin: Derived from the root זָוָה (zawah), which means to be bright or to shine.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • The Greek equivalent of the Hebrew זָוִית is often associated with the term "γωνία" (gonia), which also means "corner" or "angle." This term is used in the New Testament to describe the cornerstone, particularly in reference to Christ as the cornerstone of the Church (e.g., Ephesians 2:20, 1 Peter 2:6).

By understanding the usage and significance of זָוִית in the Hebrew Bible, one gains insight into the cultural and theological importance of cornerstones and leadership in ancient Israelite society.

Usage: The word זָוִית appears in the Hebrew Bible to denote the physical corners or angles of buildings, particularly in the context of construction and architecture. It is used metaphorically to signify strength and support, often in relation to leadership or foundational elements.

Context: • The term זָוִית is used in the Old Testament to describe the architectural feature of a corner or angle, particularly in the context of buildings and structures. It is often associated with the strength and stability provided by the cornerstones or corner-columns of a building. In ancient construction, the corner was a critical element, providing support and alignment for the entire structure.
• In a metaphorical sense, זָוִית is used to describe leaders or key figures who provide support and guidance, much like a cornerstone provides stability to a building. This metaphorical usage underscores the importance of strong leadership and foundational principles in maintaining the integrity and strength of a community or nation.
• The term is found in several passages, including Isaiah 19:13, where it is used to describe the leaders of Egypt as "cornerstones" who have led the nation astray. In Zechariah 10:4, it is used to refer to the leaders of Judah as "cornerstones" from whom strength and guidance will come.

כְּזָוִיּ֖וֹת כְזָוִיֹּ֑ת כזויות כזוית chezaviYot kə·zā·wî·yō·wṯ ḵə·zā·wî·yōṯ kezaviYot ḵəzāwîyōṯ kəzāwîyōwṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts