Lexical Summary
zimrath: Song, strength
Original Word:זִמְרָת
Part of Speech:Noun Feminine
Transliteration:zimrath
Pronunciation:zim-RAHT
Phonetic Spelling:(zim-rawth')
KJV: song
NASB:song
Word Origin:[fromH2167 (זָמַר - sing praises)]
1. instrumental music
2. (by implication) praise
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
song
Fromzamar; instrumental music; by implication, praise -- song.
see HEBREWzamar
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originthe same as
zimrah, q.v.
NASB Translationsong (1).
Topical Lexicon
Overviewזִמְרָת (zimrath) combines the ideas of musical praise and the victorious strength of God. In each of its three occurrences the word is paired with “salvation,” forming a poetic triad that exalts the LORD as both the source of deliverance and the inspiration of song. Zimrath thus speaks of the inseparable link between experiencing redemption and responding in worship.
Canonical Occurrences
1.Exodus 15:2—The triumphant “Song of the Sea” celebrates Israel’s rescue from Egypt: “The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation”.
2.Psalm 118:14—Within the final Hallel psalm sung at great feasts: “The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation”.
3.Isaiah 12:2—A prophetic hymn anticipating the messianic age: “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation”.
Theology of Salvation and Deliverance
Zimrath encapsulates the personal and communal testimony that God’s might is not abstract power but rescuing power. The Exodus context grounds salvation in historical reality, the Psalter frames it within ongoing covenant life, and Isaiah projects it into the future consummation. In all three, salvation (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshuah) is not earned but granted; song is the fitting response; strength is the enabling force. Together they affirm that redemption originates in God, is accomplished by God, and is celebrated to God.
Corporate Worship and Liturgical Memory
The repetition of the identical line in Torah, Writings, and Prophets suggests intentional liturgical reuse. Israel’s earliest victory song (Exodus 15) becomes the liturgical refrain of national praise (Psalm 118) and the prophetic promise sung in anticipation (Isaiah 12). This progression models how worship recalls past grace, anchors present faith, and fuels future hope.
Messianic and Eschatological Dimensions
Isaiah 12 places zimrath in a larger section (Isaiah 7–12) that culminates in the revelation of the reigning Branch (Isaiah 11). The salvation celebrated in the song thus points forward to the Messiah who embodies the Lord’s strength and secures everlasting deliverance. The New Testament writers echo this theme, seeing in Jesus Christ the fulfillment of the salvation that turns lament to praise (compareLuke 1:68-75;Revelation 15:3).
Practical Ministry Applications
• Worship leaders can frame services around the triad of strength, song, and salvation, inviting congregations to testify to God’s past acts while anticipating future grace.
• Preachers may trace the journey from Exodus through the Psalms to Isaiah to show the unity of Scripture and God’s unchanging character.
• Personal devotion can adopt the refrain as a declaration in times of fear: “The LORD is my strength and my song.” Memorizing these verses anchors faith in God’s proven ability to save.
• Mission and evangelism gain a succinct gospel summary: divine strength culminates in salvation that inspires praise—a cycle meant to expand as more voices join the song.
Forms and Transliterations
וְזִמְרָ֣ת וְזִמְרָת֙ וזמרת vezimRat wə·zim·rāṯ wəzimrāṯ
Links
Interlinear Greek •
Interlinear Hebrew •
Strong's Numbers •
Englishman's Greek Concordance •
Englishman's Hebrew Concordance •
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