a primitive root; to amass, i.e. grow turgid; specifically, to array an army against; fight swell.
Transliteration:tsâbâh
Pronunciation:tsaw-baw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H6638 (צָבָה, *tsâbâh*) is a primitive root carrying a dual semantic range. Its primary and most direct meaning is "to swell," "to grow turgid," or "to become enlarged." This denotes a physical expansion or distension, often with negative connotations of an unhealthy or abnormal condition. Metaphorically, this sense can extend to an increase in number or intensity.
The second significant aspect of its semantic range, as indicated by its base definition, is "to amass" or "to array an army against," implying a hostile gathering or preparation for conflict. This suggests a connection between the idea of "swelling" (in size or number) and the formation of a formidable, often threatening, force. While the direct verbal occurrences of H6638 primarily reflect the physical "swelling," this broader definition points to an underlying conceptual link between an internal physical expansion and an external aggregation of power, particularly military might.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H6638 (צָבָה, *tsâbâh*) appears exclusively in the book of Numbers, specifically within the context of the ordeal of the bitter water (the ordeal of jealousy) for a woman suspected of adultery. In this ritual, the physical manifestation of "swelling" serves as a divine sign of guilt.
* In [[Numbers 5:21]], the priest invokes a curse upon the woman, stating, "the Lord make your thigh to rot and your belly to swell" (וְאֵת בִּטְנֵךְ לַצְבּוֹת). Here, the infinitive construct of *tsâbâh* clearly denotes a physical swelling of the abdomen.
* The consequence is reiterated in [[Numbers 5:22]], where the priest warns, "and your belly swells and your thigh rots" (וְצָבְתָה בִטְנֵךְ וְנָפְלָה יְרֵכֵךְ). The perfect Qal form emphasizes the certainty of this physical outcome if the woman is guilty.
* Finally, in [[Numbers 5:27]], the text describes the actual result of the ordeal for a guilty woman: "and her belly will swell and her thigh will rot" (וְצָבְתָה בִטְנָהּ וְנָפְלָה יְרֵכָהּ). Again, the perfect Qal form underscores the visible, undeniable physical judgment.
In all these instances, *tsâbâh* refers to a specific, supernaturally induced physical swelling that serves as a direct indicator of divine judgment. The "amassing" or "arraying of an army" sense, while part of the root's broader definition, is not directly attested in these verbal occurrences. Instead, it points to a conceptual link with related terms.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the noun H6635 (צָבָא, *tsaba*), which means "army," "host," "warfare," or "service." This noun is frequently used to refer to military forces (e.g., [[Exodus 6:26]], "their hosts"), celestial bodies ("the host of heaven," e.g., [[Deuteronomy 4:19]]), or even the "host" of God's people. The connection between H6638 (to swell/amass) and H6635 (army/host) lies in the idea of a large gathering or collection. An army is an "amassed" force, "swelling" in number and strength.
Another closely related verb is H6633 (צָבָא, *tsaba*), meaning "to go forth to war," "to serve," or "to perform military service." This verb directly reflects the military aspect implied by the broader definition of H6638 and is intrinsically linked to the noun H6635.
Concepts related to *tsâbâh* include:
* **Divine Judgment:** As seen in Numbers 5, the word is a direct instrument of divine justice.
* **Purity and Holiness:** The context of the bitter water ordeal emphasizes the importance of maintaining ritual and moral purity within the Israelite community.
* **Sovereignty:** The broader semantic field, particularly through H6635, points to God's ultimate sovereignty over all "hosts" – whether human armies, celestial bodies, or the very processes of judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H6638 primarily stems from its use in the ordeal of the bitter water. Here, it serves as a powerful testament to God's omniscience and His commitment to justice within the covenant community. The physical "swelling" is not merely a natural consequence but a miraculous, divinely ordained sign, making hidden sin manifest. This highlights:
1. **God's Active Justice:** The Lord is not a passive observer but actively intervenes to expose sin and uphold moral order. The physical swelling is a tangible, undeniable proof of guilt, serving as a deterrent and a means of purification for the community.
2. **The Severity of Sin:** The graphic nature of the "swelling" and "rotting" underscores the serious consequences of covenant infidelity, particularly in matters of purity and trust within marriage.
3. **Divine Revelation:** In a context where human evidence might be lacking, God provides a means of divine revelation, ensuring that truth is brought to light.
While the "amassing of an army" sense is not directly applied to the verb H6638 in scripture, its presence in the root's definition, alongside the strong connection to H6635 (host/army), subtly points to the concept of God's overwhelming power. Just as a physical body can swell, or an army can amass, so too can divine judgment or divine power manifest in an undeniable, overwhelming fashion. This root, therefore, encapsulates aspects of divine control, whether over the human body as an instrument of judgment or over the forces of creation and conflict.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H6638 (צָבָה, *tsâbâh*) fundamentally means "to swell" or "to grow turgid," a meaning consistently applied in its biblical occurrences within [[Numbers 5:21]], [[Numbers 5:22]], and [[Numbers 5:27]]. In these verses, it describes the divinely induced physical swelling that serves as a sign of guilt in the ordeal of the bitter water, showcasing God's active and manifest justice. While its broader definition includes "to amass" or "to array an army," this military sense is more directly expressed through related words like the noun H6635 (צָבָא, *tsaba*, "army/host") and the verb H6633 (צָבָא, *tsaba*, "to go forth to war"). The conceptual link between "swelling" and "amassing" suggests an increase in size or power, whether physical or numerical. Theologically, *tsâbâh* underscores God's sovereignty, His commitment to purity and justice within the covenant, and His ability to reveal hidden sin through tangible, undeniable means.
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