Original Word: זַרְזִיר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: zarziyr
Pronunciation: zar-zeer
Phonetic Spelling: (zar-zeer')
KJV: + greyhound
Word Origin: [by reduplication from H2115 (זוּר - crush)]

1. (properly) tightly girt, i.e. probably a racer, or some fleet animal (as being slender in the waist)

greyhound

By reduplication from zuwr; properly, tightly girt, i.e. Probably a racer, or some fleet animal (as being slender in the waist) -- + greyhound.

see HEBREW zuwr

Word Origin
from zur
Definition
girded
NASB Translation
strutting* (1).

זַרְזִיר adjective girded, girt (compare Ba^{NB 206}) — only construct Proverbs 30:31 זַרְזִיר מָתְנַיִם אוֺתָֿ֑יִו that which is girt in the loins, etc., named with lion, he-goat, and king, as stately in motion. Perhaps = grey-hound Ew Bö De and others, or war-horse Bo Ges Hi and others; Vrss. cock, Talmud raven, see De Now (Late Hebrew זַרְזִיר starling (war-horse only in interpretation of Proverbs 30:31), Aramaic ; Lexicons also starling, in Arabic , perhaps loan-word Others derive from a √זרר, see above)

זַרְזִיר Proverbs 30:31 see below III. זוּר.

Canonical Context

The term זַרְזִיר (Strong’s H2223) occurs once, in Proverbs 30:31. In the inspired list of “four that move with stately bearing,” it follows the lion (verse 30) and precedes the he-goat and the triumphant king. In the Berean Standard Bible the verse reads: “a strutting rooster, a goat, and a king with his army around him.” This strategic placement aligns the זַרְזִיר with images of fearless authority and confident advance.

Possible Identifications and Cultural Background

Ancient translators and commentators were divided over the precise creature intended:

• The Septuagint, Vulgate, and many rabbinic sources favored the rooster. A cock’s erect crest, narrowed mid-section, and proud stride match the Hebrew idea of being “girt about the loins,” while his crowing marks the break of day—an apt symbol of watchfulness (Matthew 26:34).
• Some early English versions, influenced by Arabic parallels, chose “greyhound,” stressing speed and graceful movement.
• A minority of Jewish exegetes pointed to a stately war-horse, whose girth is literally bound by a saddle-strap.

Whichever animal is in view, the shared impression is one of disciplined vigor—strength under control, made ready for action.

Symbolic and Theological Themes

1. Dignity in Bearing. The passage celebrates creatures that carry themselves with majesty granted by their Creator. By placing זַרְזִיר alongside the lion and the king, Scripture teaches that greatness is not proud self-promotion but an ordered confidence that accords with one’s God-given role.
2. Readiness and Watchfulness. If the rooster is intended, his dawn crow reminds readers of faithful vigilance (Mark 13:35–37). Vigilance is a consistent biblical imperative, calling believers to “stand firm in the faith” (1 Corinthians 16:13).
3. Harnessed Power. Should the word point to a war-horse, the emphasis shifts to disciplined strength—power kept in check until its proper release (Job 39:19–25). In either case the motif underlines Proverbs’ recurring theme: true wisdom channels ability toward righteous ends.

Ministry Applications

• Leadership. Pastors and elders learn from the זַרְזִיר that authority is most persuasive when displayed with calm steadiness, not intimidation.
• Personal Conduct. Just as the rooster’s walk proclaims his identity, Christians are to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling” (Ephesians 4:1). The proverb invites self-examination: Does my bearing reflect the gospel?
• Spiritual Alertness. Congregations are encouraged to adopt a rooster-like alertness, heralding the “Day that is about to dawn” (Romans 13:11–12) and warning sleepers to awaken.

Related Biblical Motifs

Proverbs frequently draws wisdom from the animal world (Proverbs 6:6; 30:24–28). The זַרְזִיר stands among these as a living sermon on courage married to restraint. Other passages reinforcing the lesson include:

• Isaiah 40:31 – endurance through empowered waiting.
• 1 Peter 5:8 – active watchfulness against the adversary.
• 2 Timothy 2:3–5 – disciplined focus in spiritual warfare.

Summary

Though mentioned only once, זַרְזִיר offers enduring counsel. Whether envisaged as a strutting cock, a swift hound, or a girded steed, the picture is of God-bestowed poise and preparedness. Believers who heed this wisdom will move through life with the same stately confidence, vigilant for the Master’s call and ready to advance His kingdom.

זַרְזִ֣יר זרזיר zar·zîr zarZir zarzîrInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts