Pronunciation: [zˈe͡ɪɪn] (IPA) 
The word "zayin" is a Hebrew letter that represents the sound /z/. It is also a word in its own right, meaning "weapon" or "sword" in Hebrew. The spelling of "zayin" in English is a transliteration of the Hebrew spelling, which appears as זַיִן in the Hebrew script. In the International Phonetic Alphabet, the pronunciation of "zayin" would be written as /ˈzaɪɪn/ or /ˈzaɪn/ depending on the dialect.
Zayin is the seventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet, represented by the symbol ז. It is derived from the Phoenician letter zayin, meaning "sword." In Hebrew, zayin also carries the numeric value of seven.
The letter zayin possesses several meanings and significances in the Hebrew language and culture. One of its primary connotations is related to the concept of weaponry or weapons. This association with weaponry is reminiscent of the letter's original Phoenician symbol, reflecting its ancient roots. It symbolizes strength, power, and combat readiness.
In Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah, zayin is recognized as a significant letter, representing the idea of spiritual nourishment or sustenance. It is associated with the concept of being satisfied or satiated through material and spiritual resources. Zayin is also linked to the practice of tzedakah, which refers to the act of giving charity or providing support to those in need. In this context, zayin highlights the importance of using one's resources to provide sustenance and assistance to others.
Additionally, zayin is used as a prefix in Hebrew to form various words related to weapons, fighting, and warfare. It can be found in terms such as zayin nekudot, meaning "sharp weapon," or zayin ha-esh, which translates as "fighter" or "warrior."
Overall, zayin represents a versatile and multi-faceted letter of the Hebrew alphabet, encompassing meanings related to weaponry, strength, nourishment, and charity.
The word "zayin" is derived from the Hebrew alphabet, specifically the seventh letter "ז" (pronounced "zayin"). Its etymology traces back to the Proto-Sinaitic script, an early form of writing used in the ancient Egyptian Sinai Peninsula around 1800 BCE. The word "zayin" itself means "weapon" or "sword" in Hebrew. The shape of the letter resembles a sword, which might have influenced its meaning and the subsequent naming of the letter in Hebrew.
