### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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