Original Word: זָמִיר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: zamiyr
Pronunciation: zah-MEER
Phonetic Spelling: (zaw-meer')
KJV: branch
NASB: pruning
Word Origin: [from H2168 (זָמַר - prune)]

1. a twig (as pruned)

branch

From zamar; a twig (as pruned) -- branch.

see HEBREW zamar

Word Origin
from zamar
Definition
trimming, pruning
NASB Translation
pruning (1).

II. זָמִיר noun [masculine] trimming, pruning (compare Lg^{BN 173}) — only עַת הַזָּמִיר Songs 2:12 (> others singing). — I. זמיר see below I. זמר above

Meaning and Imagery

זָמִיר conveys the idea of joyful music offered in seasons of fruitfulness and of careful pruning that secures future growth. The two pictures—singing and trimming—stand together: one celebrates what God has already given, the other prepares the vine for greater yield. In Scripture these twin themes consistently appear where worship meets holiness.

Biblical Context

The exact form indexed by Strong’s 2159 is not found in the preserved Old Testament text, yet its idea is woven through related words that dominate Israel’s worship vocabulary.
• Song of Songs 2:12 links springtime blossoms with “the season of singing,” a scene of covenant love and new life.
• Exodus 15:2; Isaiah 12:2, 12:5 celebrate deliverance with the cognate noun translated “song.”
• Scores of psalms use the verbal stem to call God’s people to sing (for example, Psalm 147:1; 149:1, 3).

The pruning nuance appears in prophetic and wisdom literature whenever the Lord removes unproductive branches (Isaiah 5:6; John 15:2 mirrors the same agricultural image in the New Testament).

Theological Themes

1. Joyful Praise: God’s mighty acts demand melodic response. “The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation” (Exodus 15:2).
2. Sanctifying Discipline: Just as vines are pruned, believers are shaped by God’s corrective work so they may “bear much fruit” (John 15:2).
3. Hope of Renewal: Spring song points beyond winter barrenness, prefiguring resurrection life secured in Christ.

Connected Vocabulary and Passages

• Verb זָמַר (Strong’s 2167): Psalm 33:2–3; Psalm 92:1.
• Noun זִמְרָה / זִמְרַת (Strong’s 2158, 2176): Exodus 15:2; Isaiah 12:2.

Together they show the continuum from individual thanksgiving to corporate, instrument-accompanied praise.

Historical Reception

Jewish tradition read Song of Songs 2:12 at Passover, linking spring song with redemption from Egypt. Early church writers interpreted the same verse spiritually of Christ’s resurrection. The Reformers, insisting on congregational participation, cited the root זמר to defend metrical psalm singing. Modern hymnody still draws on these passages to celebrate both salvation and sanctification.

Application in Worship and Ministry

• Encourage congregational singing that unites doctrine and delight.
• Teach spiritual pruning—confession, discipline, life-on-life discipleship—as necessary preparation for lasting fruit.
• Incorporate seasons of the church calendar (Easter, Pentecost) that echo the spring imagery of renewed life.

New Testament Fulfilment

Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 command believers to sing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,” showing the continuity of זָמִיר’s impulse. Hebrews 13:15 calls for a “sacrifice of praise,” revealing that every believer, pruned by the Father and cleansed by the Son, now serves as a living instrument of worship.

Practical Implications for the Contemporary Church

1. Balance Celebration and Correction: Plan gatherings that exalt God while cultivating holiness.
2. Foster Musical Excellence: Just as pruning improves the vine, disciplined rehearsal enhances congregational song.
3. Link Worship to Mission: Song is both witness and weapon—Acts 16:25 demonstrates praise opening prison doors and hearts.

Summary and Key Points

זָמִיר intertwines song and pruning—praise for present grace and preparation for future fruit. Though the specific word form is absent from the Masoretic text, its theological substance runs through Scripture from Exodus to Revelation. True singing grows from hearts the Father has lovingly pruned, and fruitful lives rise in harmony to His glory.

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