from an unused root meaning to dip (into coloring fluid); a dye; divers, colours.
Transliteration:tsebaʻ
Pronunciation:tseh'-bah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word צֶבַע (tsebaʻ, `{{H6648}}`) is a noun derived from an unused root that conveys the action of "dipping into coloring fluid." This etymological root is crucial, as it points to the process by which color is imparted. The primary meaning of צֶבַע is therefore "dye" or "coloring matter." However, in its biblical occurrences, it more frequently refers to the *result* of this process: "colors" or "divers colors." This implies a range of hues, often vibrant and varied, produced through the application of dye. The term inherently carries connotations of richness, distinctiveness, and often, luxury, as colored fabrics and materials were highly prized in the ancient Near East.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word צֶבַע appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively within the prophetic book of Ezekiel, and consistently in contexts describing lavish adornment and striking visual features.
* In [[Ezekiel 16:13]], צֶבַע is used to describe the magnificent clothing with which God adorned Jerusalem, personified as a young woman. "Your clothing was of fine linen, and silk, and embroidered cloth; you were adorned with gold and silver..." The phrase וְרִקְמָה (embroidered cloth) and צֶבַע (divers colors) together emphasize the exquisite and costly nature of her attire, symbolizing the abundant blessings and glory bestowed by Yahweh upon His people.
* Later in the same chapter, [[Ezekiel 16:18]] recounts Jerusalem's apostasy: "You took your embroidered garments and covered them, and you set My oil and My incense before them." Here, the very items of beauty and luxury, including the צֶבַע (divers colors) of her garments, which were divine gifts, are perverted and used in idolatrous worship. This highlights the tragic misuse of God's blessings.
* In [[Ezekiel 17:3]], צֶבַע describes the "divers colors" of the feathers of a "great eagle," which represents the king of Babylon. "A great eagle with great wings, long pinions, full of feathers of divers colors, came to Lebanon and took the top of the cedar." Here, the word emphasizes the impressive, perhaps even exotic and powerful, appearance of this foreign ruler, underscoring his majesty and reach.
* Finally, in [[Ezekiel 27:7]], צֶבַע is used in a description of the opulent trade of Tyre: "Fine linen with embroidered work from Egypt was your sail, so that it served you as a banner; blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah were your awning." The word again refers to the "divers colors" of the sails or awnings, signifying the city's immense wealth, sophisticated craftsmanship, and extensive commercial network.
Across these occurrences, צֶבַע consistently points to visual splendor, often associated with textiles, and serves to underscore themes of divine provision, human pride, or worldly power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The core meaning of צֶבַע as "dye" or "colored material" connects it to several related biblical concepts:
* **Dyeing Process:** The unused root implying "to dip" links צֶבַב to the broader concept of immersion, found in verbs like טָבַל (tabal, `{{H2881}}`, "to dip, immerse"). This highlights the ancient process of imparting color.
* **Specific Colors:** While צֶבַע is a general term for diverse colors, the Hebrew Bible also names specific colors derived from dyes, such as תְּכֵלֶת (tekhelet, `{{H8504}}`, "blue/violet"), אַרְגָּמָן (argaman, `{{H713}}`, "purple"), and תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי (tola'at shani, `{{H8438}}` + `{{H8144}}`, "scarlet/crimson"). These were often used in sacred contexts (e.g., tabernacle coverings) and royal garments.
* **Embroidered Work:** The term רִקְמָה (riqmah, `{{H7553}}`, "embroidered work") is frequently paired with צֶבַע in Ezekiel, indicating the intricate patterns and designs created using these diverse colors. This combination signifies high-quality craftsmanship and luxury.
* **Adornment and Wealth:** צֶבַע is often found alongside terms for precious metals like זָהָב (zahav, `{{H2091}}`, "gold") and כֶּסֶף (kesef, `{{H3701}}`, "silver"), emphasizing the overall opulence and value of the items described.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of צֶבַע in Ezekiel is multifaceted:
* **Divine Generosity and Beauty:** In [[Ezekiel 16]], צֶבַע initially serves as a powerful symbol of God's lavish grace and provision for His people. The "divers colors" are part of the exquisite beauty and glory with which Yahweh adorned Jerusalem, elevating her from a state of destitution to one of royal splendor. This underscores God's desire to bless and beautify His covenant people. The natural world's "divers colors," as seen in the eagle of [[Ezekiel 17:3]], also reflect the Creator's artistry and the richness of His design.
* **Misuse of Divine Gifts and Apostasy:** The subsequent use of these divinely provided "divers colors" for idolatry in [[Ezekiel 16:18]] carries a profound theological warning. It illustrates how even the most beautiful and precious gifts from God can be perverted and turned into instruments of rebellion and self-worship. This highlights the human propensity to take God's blessings for granted and to turn from the Giver to the gifts themselves.
* **Worldly Splendor and Imminent Judgment:** In the descriptions of the powerful nations of Babylon and Tyre ([[Ezekiel 17:3]], [[Ezekiel 27:7]]), צֶבַע contributes to the portrayal of their immense worldly splendor and material wealth. While these "divers colors" speak to their impressive achievements and power, they also implicitly foreshadow their coming judgment. The beauty and luxury of these kingdoms, built on pride and exploitation, are ultimately fleeting and subject to divine reckoning.
### Summary
The Hebrew word צֶבַע (tsebaʻ, `{{H6648}}`), derived from a root meaning "to dip into coloring fluid," denotes "dye" or, more commonly, "divers colors." Its four occurrences in the book of Ezekiel consistently depict lavish adornment, luxury, and striking visual distinctiveness. Theologically, צֶבַע functions as a potent symbol of God's abundant provision and the beauty He bestows upon His people, as seen in the adornment of Jerusalem. However, it simultaneously serves as a stark warning against the human tendency to misuse these divine gifts for idolatry and self-exaltation. Furthermore, in its application to worldly powers like Babylon and Tyre, צֶבַע highlights the impressive, yet ultimately transient and prideful, splendor of earthly kingdoms that stand in opposition to God's will, foreshadowing their inevitable judgment. Thus, צֶבַע encapsulates themes of divine generosity, human responsibility, and the ultimate accountability of all creation before its Creator.
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