passive participle of the same as צֶבַע; dyed (in stripes), i.e. the hyena; speckled.
Transliteration:tsâbûwaʻ
Pronunciation:tsaw-boo'-ah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H6641 (צָבוּעַ, *tsâbûwaʻ*) functions as a passive participle derived from the root צֶבַע (tsebaʻ, `{{H6640}}`), which signifies "color" or "dye." Thus, the core meaning of tsâbûwaʻ is "dyed," "colored," or by extension, "striped" or "speckled." The base definition explicitly connects it to "the hyena," a creature known for its distinctive spotted or striped coat. This suggests that while the literal meaning relates to coloration, its primary application in a zoological sense points to an animal marked by such patterns.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H6641 (צָבוּעַ, *tsâbûwaʻ*) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, found in the book of Jeremiah.
* **[[Jeremiah 12:9]]**: "Is My heritage to Me like a speckled bird of prey? Are the birds of prey against her all around? Go, gather all the beasts of the field, bring them to devour her."
* In this sole occurrence, tsâbûwaʻ is translated as "speckled" (KJV, ESV, NASB) or "striped" (NIV) and describes a "bird of prey" (עַיִט, *ʻayiṭ*, `{{H5861}}`). This is notable given the primary association with the hyena in the base definition. The usage here extends the meaning of "speckled/striped" to describe a bird, emphasizing its distinctive appearance.
* The context is a lament by God concerning His "heritage" (נַחֲלָה, *naḥălāh*, `{{H5159}}`), referring to the nation of Judah. The imagery of a "speckled bird of prey" suggests a creature that is unusual, perhaps an outcast, or one that is distinctively marked and therefore vulnerable to attack by other predatory birds. The subsequent command for "beasts of the field" to "devour her" underscores the severity of the impending divine judgment upon Judah, who has become an object of prey due to her unfaithfulness. The "speckled" nature might imply Judah's unique status as God's chosen people, yet now so marred by sin that they are set apart for destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **צֶבַע (tsebaʻ, `{{H6640}}`):** This is the direct root noun from which H6641 is derived. It refers to "dye" or "colored stuff" and appears in contexts describing dyed garments or materials, such as in [[Ezekiel 23:15]] concerning "dyed turbans." This confirms the fundamental semantic field of color and dyeing.
* **Words for Animal Markings:** Other Hebrew terms describe animal patterns, offering a broader context for tsâbûwaʻ. Examples include:
* נָקֹד (naqod, `{{H5344}}`): "spotted" (e.g., [[Genesis 30:32]], [[Genesis 30:35]] regarding Jacob's flocks).
* טָלוּא (talu', `{{H2921}}`): "streaked" or "spotted" (e.g., [[Genesis 30:39]]).
* These related terms demonstrate a vocabulary for describing the varied and distinctive appearances of animals, whether through natural markings or, as in the case of tsâbûwaʻ, through a connotation of being "dyed" or uniquely colored.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of H6641 in [[Jeremiah 12:9]] carries profound theological weight, primarily illustrating God's lament and judgment concerning Judah:
* **Judah's Unique and Vulnerable State:** The imagery of Judah as a "speckled bird of prey" highlights their distinctive nature as God's covenant people. However, this distinctiveness, once a mark of divine favor, has now become a mark of vulnerability and isolation. Their "speckled" appearance may signify their spiritual defilement, setting them apart not for blessing, but for judgment. They are unique, yet uniquely exposed to the attacks of other "birds of prey" (hostile nations) and "beasts of the field."
* **Divine Ownership and Disappointment:** The phrase "Is My heritage to Me...?" underscores God's deep personal connection and ownership of Judah. The rhetorical question conveys divine sorrow, disappointment, and perhaps even bewilderment that His cherished people have become so marred and exposed. It expresses the anguish of a loving God whose chosen nation has fallen into such a state that it is no longer protected but targeted.
* **Consequence of Unfaithfulness:** The immediate context of God's command to "gather all the beasts of the field, bring them to devour her" unequivocally points to divine judgment. Judah's "speckled" state is not an arbitrary characteristic but a symbolic representation of their spiritual condition that has led to the withdrawal of God's protective hand and the unleashing of destructive forces against them. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H6641 (צָבוּעַ, *tsâbûwaʻ*) is a passive participle meaning "dyed," "striped," or "speckled," often associated with the distinct markings of a hyena. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Jeremiah 12:9]] is highly significant. Here, it describes God's "heritage," Judah, as a "speckled bird of prey." This powerful metaphor conveys Judah's unique but now vulnerable and isolated state, marked for divine judgment due to their unfaithfulness. The imagery highlights God's sorrowful lament over His people, who, once uniquely blessed, have become so spiritually marred that they are left exposed to the predations of their enemies, serving as a solemn testament to the consequences of covenant disobedience.
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