Zayin (ז) – Old Testament Hebrew words that start with zayin

• Old Testament Hebrew
• New Testament Greek

Quick reference

Hebrew Name:

זַיִן

English Name:

zayin

Pronunciation:

zah-yin

Letter:

ז

Speech Sound:

consonant

Numerical Value:

7

Pronunciation guide

Zayin is pronounced like the “z” in “zebra.” This sound is consistent regardless of where the letter appears in a word and doesn’t change its sound based on the presence of dots (dagesh) or other markers (niqqud).

Numerical significance

Zayin holds the numerical value of seven (7) in the Hebrew numeric system, Gematria. The number seven is rich in significance within Hebrew culture; it symbolizes completion and perfection, often linked to the creation week where God completed the work of creation in six days and rested on the seventh (Genesis 2:2).

Cultural and symbolic meaning

In ancient times, Zayin was symbolically linked to a weapon, possibly looking like a sword or axe, based on its pictographic roots. This symbol can reflect themes of cutting, dividing, or nourishing (as tools also harvested food).