from צָבָה in the sense of prominence; splendor (as conspicuous); also a gazelle (as beautiful); beautiful(-ty), glorious (-ry), goodly, pleasant, roe(-buck).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tsᵉbîy**, represented by `{{H6643}}`, conveys a dual meaning of splendor and a gazelle. Its base definition points to prominence, splendor, and beauty, while also referring to the gazelle or roe as a beautiful animal. It appears 32 times in 32 unique verses, used to describe both abstract concepts like glory and concrete things like a pleasant land or a swift animal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H6643}}` is applied in two primary contexts. First, it signifies glory, beauty, or splendor. The land promised to Israel is described as "the **glory** of all lands" [[Ezekiel 20:6]]. This same term is used to describe the future Messianic age, when "the branch of the LORD" will be "**beautiful** and glorious" [[Isaiah 4:2]]. It can also refer to the downfall of earthly pride, as God purposes "to stain the pride of all **glory**" [[Isaiah 23:9]]. Second, the word refers to a roe or roebuck, an animal known for its speed and grace. Asahel was noted for being "as light of foot as a wild **roe**" [[2 Samuel 2:18]], and David's mighty men were "as **swift** as the **roes** upon the mountains" [[1 Chronicles 12:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illustrate the concepts associated with **tsᵉbîy**:
* `{{H8597}}` **tiphʼârâh**: This word for **ornament** or **beauty** is often paired with `{{H6643}}` to intensify the description, such as the "glorious **beauty**" of Ephraim [[Isaiah 28:1]].
* `{{H1347}}` **gâʼôwn**: Meaning **arrogance or majesty**, this term is used to describe the "excellency" of the Chaldees, which is part of Babylon's "**glory**" [[Isaiah 13:19]]. It also describes the "majesty" in which a beautiful ornament is set [[Ezekiel 7:20]].
* `{{H354}}` **ʼayâl**: This word for **hart** or male deer is frequently mentioned alongside `{{H6643}}` when listing animals permitted for food [[Deuteronomy 12:22]] or in poetic comparisons, as in the Song of Solomon where the beloved is "like a **roe** or a young **hart**" [[Song of Solomon 2:9]].
* `{{H7031}}` **qal**: Meaning **light** or **swift**, this term describes the key characteristic of the roe. Asahel was "**light** of foot" just like a wild roe [[2 Samuel 2:18]], linking the animal directly to the attribute of speed.
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H6643}}` is evident in its application to divine promises, human characteristics, and the natural world.
* **The Splendor of the Promised Land:** The land of Israel is repeatedly referred to as a "**pleasant** land" ([[Jeremiah 3:19]], [[Daniel 8:9]]) and the "**glory** of all lands" ([[Ezekiel 20:6]], [[Ezekiel 20:15]]), highlighting its status as a gift of supreme value from God.
* **Symbol of Grace and Swiftness:** The roe serves as a powerful metaphor for agility and deliverance. It is used to describe swift warriors [[1 Chronicles 12:8]] and as an image of escape from a trap, "as a **roe** from the hand of the hunter" [[Proverbs 6:5]].
* **Divine and Earthly Glory:** The word is used to describe the "**beauty** of Israel" [[2 Samuel 1:19]] and the glory of kingdoms like Babylon [[Isaiah 13:19]]. However, it is ultimately God who is the source of true glory, who will one day be "for a crown of **glory**" to His people [[Isaiah 28:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6643}}` is a multifaceted word that bridges the gap between the natural world and abstract ideals. As **tsᵉbîy**, it represents both the tangible grace of the gazelle and the intangible splendor of God's promises and creation. Whether describing the swiftness of a warrior, the beauty of the promised land, or the ultimate glory of the LORD, this word captures a sense of conspicuous beauty and prominence.
TRV