from יָצָא; issue, i.e. produce, children; that which cometh forth (out), offspring.
Transliteration:tseʼĕtsâʼ
Pronunciation:tseh-ets-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun צֶאֱצָא (transliterated as *tseʼĕtsâʼ*, Strong's `{{H6631}}`) carries the fundamental meaning of "that which comes forth" or "issue." Its etymological root is the verb יָצָא (*yatsaʼ*, `{{H3318}}`), meaning "to go out," "to come forth," or "to emerge." This foundational connection highlights the concept of emanation, origin, or production.
While its semantic range can broadly encompass "produce" or "yield" (as in the produce of the ground), its predominant usage in the biblical text is specific to biological "offspring," "descendants," or "posterity." It denotes the generational continuation from a source, emphasizing lineage and progeny. The word inherently points to a beginning point from which something originates and continues.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term צֶאֱצָא (`{{H6631}}`) appears exclusively in the prophetic books of Isaiah and Job. Its usage consistently underscores the themes of divine blessing, covenant faithfulness, and the continuity of generations.
In the book of Isaiah, צֶאֱצָא (`{{H6631}}`) is used five times, always referring to the "offspring" or "descendants" of Israel, often in the context of God's promises and redemptive work:
* [[Isaiah 42:5]]: Here, it refers to "those who come forth" (KJV, "them that come forth therein"), signifying the inhabitants of the earth to whom God gives breath and spirit. This particular usage broadens the scope slightly from direct biological progeny to the "issue" of humanity itself.
* [[Isaiah 44:3]]: God promises to pour His Spirit upon Israel's "offspring" and His blessing upon their "descendants." This directly links the future spiritual flourishing of the nation to its physical lineage.
* [[Isaiah 48:19]]: Lamenting Israel's disobedience, the Lord states that had they heeded Him, their "offspring" would have been like the sand, and their "descendants" like its grains – an allusion to the Abrahamic promise of countless progeny.
* [[Isaiah 61:9]]: The "offspring" of God's people will be known and recognized among the nations, demonstrating their blessed status and divine favor.
* [[Isaiah 65:23]]: In a vision of the new heavens and new earth, the passage declares that the righteous will not labor in vain, nor bear children for calamity, for they will be the "offspring" of the blessed of the LORD. This highlights the blessing and security of future generations in God's redeemed order.
In the book of Job, צֶאֱצָא (`{{H6631}}`) appears once:
* [[Job 31:8]]: In Job's powerful oath of innocence, he declares, "then let others eat what I sow, and let my *produce* (צֶאֱצָא) be rooted out." Here, the word refers to the "produce" or "yield" of his field, demonstrating the broader semantic range of "that which comes forth." This usage, while less common, aligns with the core meaning of something that originates and results from labor or growth.
Across these contexts, the word consistently emphasizes the idea of a natural and often divinely ordained outcome or continuation from a source.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "offspring" in the Hebrew Bible is rich and multifaceted, drawing upon several related terms and theological ideas:
* **יָצָא (*yatsaʼ*, `{{H3318}}`)**: The verbal root of צֶאֱצָא, signifying the act of "going out" or "coming forth." This root is fundamental to understanding the dynamic nature of "issue" or "emergence."
* **זֶרַע (*zeraʼ*, `{{H2233}}`)**: Meaning "seed," this term is very frequently used for "offspring" or "descendants." While similar to צֶאֱצָא, *zeraʼ* often carries the nuance of potentiality and the initial source from which a lineage springs, whereas צֶאֱצָא emphasizes the actual *result* or *product* of that seed.
* **בֵּן (*ben*, `{{H1121}}`*) / בָּנִים (*banim*)**: "Son" or "children." These are more specific terms for individuals within a family line, whereas צֶאֱצָא refers to the collective body of descendants.
* **דּוֹר (*dor*, `{{H1755}}`)**: "Generation." This term focuses on the temporal aspect of succession, often in relation to the character or actions of a specific group of people over time.
* **Covenant Promises**: The concept of צֶאֱצָא is inextricably linked to God's covenant promises, particularly those made to Abraham, concerning a numerous and blessed posterity (e.g., [[Genesis 12:7]], [[Genesis 13:16]], [[Genesis 15:5]]).
* **Lineage and Heritage**: The word underscores the importance of ancestry, the continuity of family lines, and the inheritance of blessings or curses across generations.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of צֶאֱצָא (`{{H6631}}`) is profound, primarily centering on God's faithfulness, His creative power, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through human history.
1. **Divine Source of Life and Progeny**: The very meaning "that which comes forth" points to God as the ultimate source of all life and fruitfulness. When applied to human offspring, it highlights that children are a divine gift and blessing ([[Psalm 127:3]]).
2. **Covenant Faithfulness and Continuity**: In Isaiah, the consistent use of צֶאֱצָא for Israel's descendants powerfully underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Despite Israel's failures, God promises the continuation of their "offspring," ensuring the preservation of the covenant line through whom salvation would ultimately come. This speaks to the enduring nature of God's promises across generations.
3. **Hope for the Future**: The prophetic use of צֶאֱצָא conveys a message of hope. Even in times of judgment or exile, the promise of future "offspring" signifies that God has not abandoned His people and that His purposes will be fulfilled through their descendants. This provides a tangible expression of future blessing and restoration.
4. **Identity and Inheritance**: The "offspring" of Israel are those who inherit the promises, the land, and the covenant relationship with God. Their identity is tied to their divine origin and destiny. In the New Testament, this concept extends to spiritual offspring, those who are "children of Abraham by faith" ([[Galatians 3:7]]).
5. **Blessing of Fruitfulness**: The occasional broader application to "produce" (as in Job) reinforces the biblical theme of God's blessing extending to all forms of fruitfulness, whether human progeny or agricultural bounty, as a sign of His favor and provision.
### Summary
The Hebrew word צֶאֱצָא (*tseʼĕtsâʼ*, `{{H6631}}`), derived from יָצָא (*yatsaʼ*, {{H3318}}`) "to come forth," primarily denotes "offspring" or "descendants." While it can broadly refer to "that which comes forth" or "produce," its most significant usage in the Bible, particularly in the book of Isaiah, is to describe the physical lineage of Israel. This emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant promises of a numerous posterity and the continuity of His people through generations. The term serves as a powerful reminder of God as the ultimate source of life and blessing, ensuring the fulfillment of His redemptive plan through the "offspring" He brings forth. It highlights the enduring nature of God's covenant and the hope for future generations rooted in His divine purpose.
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