### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term צִבְיָּה (Tsibyâh), Strong's H6645, is a feminine proper noun. Its base definition indicates a connection to צְבִיָּה (Tsebiyyah), which is derived from the root צְבִי (tsvi), `{{H6643}}`. This root typically conveys meanings related to "gazelle," "beauty," "glory," or "splendor." Therefore, the name Tsibyâh most plausibly means "gazelle" or "beauty/splendor." As a personal name, its semantic range is fixed to the individual it designates, but the underlying meaning of the root imbues the name with connotations of grace and aesthetic appeal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Tsibyâh (rendered as Zibiah in English translations) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the historical account of the kings of Judah:
* [[2 Kings 12:1]]: "In the seventh year of Jehu, Jehoash began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba."
This singular mention identifies Tsibyâh as the mother of King Jehoash (Joash), who reigned over Judah. The verse provides two key pieces of information: her name and her geographical origin, "of Beersheba." This aligns with the consistent pattern found in the Deuteronomistic History, where the regnal formula for Judahite kings invariably includes the name of the king's mother and her hometown. This practice serves to establish the legitimacy of succession within the Davidic dynasty and underscores the importance of lineage. Her origin from Beersheba, a historically significant city in the southern kingdom, symbolically links the royal line to a region deeply rooted in patriarchal narratives and covenantal foundations.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical connection for Tsibyâh is its root צְבִי (tsvi), `{{H6643}}`, which signifies "gazelle," "beauty," or "glory." This root is found in various biblical contexts, describing physical attractiveness, the splendor of a land, or the swiftness of an animal. While other specific names directly derived from this root, such as צְבִיָּה (Tsebiyyah), `{{H6644}}`, are not extensively attested as biblical figures, the conceptual connections are significant:
* **Mothers of Kings:** The consistent biblical practice of naming the king's mother, particularly in the Judahite monarchy, highlights the crucial role of the maternal line in establishing royal legitimacy and tracing the lineage of the Davidic covenant.
* **Genealogy:** The meticulous recording of personal names and ancestries throughout the Hebrew Bible is fundamental to tracing divine promises, establishing inheritance rights, and validating leadership claims, especially concerning the messianic line.
* **Beersheba:** Tsibyâh's origin from Beersheba connects her, and by extension her son King Jehoash, to a foundational site in Israelite history, deeply associated with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the establishment of divine covenants.
### Theological Significance
Although Tsibyâh is not portrayed as a central figure in theological discourse or action, her presence in the biblical record holds understated theological significance. As the mother of a Davidic king, she contributes to the continuation of the covenant line through which God's promises to David concerning an enduring kingdom would ultimately find their fulfillment. Her identification as "of Beersheba" provides not only geographical context but also subtly reinforces the connection of the royal house to the ancient patriarchal heritage of the land, thereby emphasizing God's faithfulness across generations and territories. The very act of recording her name, even for a single verse, reflects the biblical emphasis on individual identity within the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan. Her name, potentially meaning "beauty" or "gazelle," might subtly allude to divine favor or a desired characteristic, though this remains an interpretive possibility rather than an explicit theological statement. Ultimately, her inclusion underscores the meticulous nature of biblical record-keeping, which serves to authenticate the lineage leading to the Messiah.
### Summary
Tsibyâh, Strong's H6645, is a Hebrew feminine proper noun, likely meaning "gazelle" or "beauty/splendor," derived from the root צְבִי (tsvi), `{{H6643}}`. She is mentioned only once in the Bible, in [[2 Kings 12:1]], where she is identified as the mother of King Jehoash of Judah and noted as being "of Beersheba." Her inclusion in the regnal formula for Judahite kings underscores the biblical emphasis on lineage, legitimacy, and the continuation of the Davidic covenant. Her origin from Beersheba further connects the royal family to the rich patriarchal history of Israel, highlighting the meticulous nature of biblical records in tracing the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
TRV