za.mam denotes forming an intention, often toward harmful action, but also toward constructive or beneficial action.

The attested use most often concerns an intention directed toward harm, whether in plotting against another or in announced action against a people; it also describes considering or intending actions that are constructive, beneficial, or simply proposed.

1. Intending or plotting harmful action · dominant

   In Deuteronomy 19:19, the Qal perfect occurs in the accusation that a person had intended action against his brother. In Psalm 37:12 the active participle identifies the wicked as acting against the righteous, while Jeremiah 4:28, Lamentations 2:17, and Zechariah 8:14 place the Qal perfect in statements of intended harm that is not withdrawn or is carried out.

   Deuteronomy 19:19Jeremiah 4:28Lamentations 2:17Proverbs 30:32Psalm 37:12Zechariah 8:14
2. Considering or intending a proposed good action · occasional

   In Proverbs 31:16, the feminine singular Qal perfect stands in the clause where a woman considers a field and then takes it. Genesis 11:6 speaks of what a united people intend to do, and Zechariah 8:15 states an intention to do good to Jerusalem and the house of Judah.

   Genesis 11:6Proverbs 31:16Zechariah 8:15

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB variously presents the clauses with “plotted,” “plan,” “purposed,” “planned,” and “considers.” Because it is a whole-verse translation, these renderings confirm the contexts without fixing a separate English equivalent in every occurrence.