The Hebrew word tsâʼâh, represented by H6627, is a direct term for (human) excrement or that (which) cometh from (out). It appears a total of 2 times in 2 unique verses in the Bible, where it is used to denote physical waste.
In its biblical contexts, H6627 is used in two distinct ways. First, it appears in the Mosaic Law as part of a command for sanitation within the Israelite camp. The people are instructed to go abroad H2351 and use a paddle H3489 to dig and cover H3680 that which cometh from them, ensuring the cleanliness of the community Deuteronomy 23:13. Second, it is used in a dramatic prophetic sign where Ezekiel is commanded to bake H5746 his bread using dung that cometh out of man H120, symbolizing the defilement and extreme hardship of the impending siege and exile Ezekiel 4:12.
Several related words help clarify the concept of purity and defilement associated with H6627:
- H1561 gêlel (dung): This word is a direct term for dung and is used in the prophetic sign given to Ezekiel, where the Lord offers to substitute cow's dung for man's dung Ezekiel 4:15, highlighting the severity of the symbol.
- H2351 chûwts (outside, outdoors): This word defines the necessary separation from the camp for relieving oneself. It means to be separate by a wall, i.e. outside, outdoors, underscoring the principle that impurity must be removed from the place of habitation Deuteronomy 23:13.
- H3680 kâçâh (to cover): This is the action required to deal with the excrement in Deuteronomy 23:13. The root meaning involves filling up hollows or covering for secrecy, and it is the same word used thematically for the covering of sin Psalms 32:1.
The theological weight of H6627 is centered on the biblical concepts of purity and separation.
- Holiness of the Community: The law in Deuteronomy 23:13 establishes a principle that God's presence requires both moral and physical cleanliness. The careful disposal of human waste was not merely a matter of hygiene but a reflection of the sanctity required of the people among whom God dwelled.
- A Symbol of Judgment: In Ezekiel, the command to prepare food with human excrement H6627 serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment. It represents a state of utter defilement and the desperate conditions the people of Israel would endure, being forced to live in unclean circumstances away from the presence of God.
- The Principle of Covering: The command to cover H3680 the tsâʼâh illustrates a foundational principle. Just as physical uncleanness must be removed from sight and covered, spiritual uncleanness—sin—must also be dealt with to maintain a right relationship with God Proverbs 28:13.
In summary, H6627 is a specific term for human waste that carries significant theological implications. While it appears only twice, its usage starkly contrasts God's instructions for maintaining purity within His covenant community with the profound defilement that results from sin and judgment. The word serves as a concrete example of the connection between physical purity and spiritual holiness in the Old Testament.
TRV