Lexical Summary
zan: To feed, to provide, to sustain
Original Word: זַן
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: zan
Pronunciation: zan
Phonetic Spelling: (zan)
KJV: divers kinds, X all manner of store
NASB: every kind, kinds
Word Origin: [from H2109 (זוּן - well-fed)]
1. (properly) nourished (or fully developed), i.e. a form or sort
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
divers kinds, all manner of store
From zuwn; properly, nourished (or fully developed), i.e. A form or sort -- divers kinds, X all manner of store.
see HEBREW zuwn
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originof uncertain derivation
Definitionkind, sort
NASB Translationevery kind (1), kinds (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
(late) (Aramaic
👁 Image, √ dubious; compare De
Psalm 144:13) —
Psalm 144:13 from kind to kind, i.e.
all sorts, kinds; plural 2Chronicles 16:14 (various)
sorts.
(√ of following; meaning unknown).
[] ( Syriac; compare Biblical Hebrew); — plural construct Daniel 3:5,7,10,15.
Topical Lexicon
Scope and Range of Meaning זַן points to “kind” or “variety,” stressing multiplicity within an ordered whole. The word is reserved for moments when the inspired writers highlight manifold provision or mixture, whether of agricultural produce or aromatic compounds.
Biblical Occurrences
• 2 Chronicles 16:14 – in the record of King Asa’s burial the chronicler notes “spices and various blends of prepared ointments,” underscoring the assortment of fragrant elements used to honor the king.
• Psalm 144:13 – David prays, “May our barns be filled with every kind of provision,” portraying comprehensive supply as evidence of divine favor.
Historical and Cultural Setting
Ancient funerary practices prized fragrance. Spices of different kinds symbolized wealth, dignity, and an expectation of resurrection hope (Job 19:25-27). Likewise, agrarian Israel measured prosperity by the breadth of its produce. A barn filled with “every kind” of grain or food signified covenant blessing (Deuteronomy 28:8).
Theological Emphasis
1. Divine Order in Diversity – Creation displays structured variety (Genesis 1:11-25). זַן reinforces that God’s provision is not random but organized, meeting every legitimate need “according to His riches” (Philippians 4:19).
2. Covenant Fullness – The prayer of Psalm 144 places material abundance within a framework of righteous dependence on the Lord (Psalm 144:1-2, 15). Variety of store is a tangible token of His steadfast love.
3. Honoring the Dead – The blends prepared for Asa echo the spices used for the tabernacle (Exodus 30:34-38) and anticipate the myrrh and aloes brought to Jesus’ tomb (John 19:39). In both cases a multiplicity of fragrances testifies to the worth of the one being honored.
Practical Ministry Applications
• Stewardship – Pastors may highlight Psalm 144:13 to encourage balanced preparation: barns that welcome “every kind” of provision mirror wise budgeting and diversified ministry resources.
• Worship Planning – Asa’s burial scene commends thoughtful sensory elements—music, incense, art—that reflect God’s own delight in ordered variety.
• Pastoral Care – When comforting the bereaved, mention of Asa’s dignified funeral affirms the legitimacy of honoring loved ones with fitting and diverse expressions of love.
Christological and Eschatological Reflections
Just as multiple spices honored Asa, the Magi’s gold, frankincense, and myrrh honored the newborn King (Matthew 2:11), and Joseph of Arimathea’s costly mixture honored the crucified Lord. Revelation 7:9 foresees a redeemed multitude “from every nation,” a global “variety” that fulfills the trajectory hinted at by זַן—fullness gathered around the throne.
Key Cross References
Genesis 1:11-12; Deuteronomy 28:8; Psalm 104:24-28; John 19:39-40; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Revelation 7:9.
Summary
זַן celebrates the breadth of God’s good gifts—whether spices that dignify a king or stores that sustain a nation. Its sparse appearance heightens its impact: in every age the Lord provides, in manifold ways, exactly what His people need for life, godliness, and praise.
Forms and Transliterations
וּזְנִ֔ים וזנים זַ֥ן זן מִזַּ֗ן מזן miz·zan mizzan ū·zə·nîm uzeNim ūzənîm zan
Links
Interlinear Greek •
Interlinear Hebrew •
Strong's Numbers •
Englishman's Greek Concordance •
Englishman's Hebrew Concordance •
Parallel Texts
