### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma צִבֻּר (tsibbur, `{{H6652}}`) carries the primary meaning of "a pile" or "a heap." This term denotes an accumulation or mass of items, typically gathered together. While Strong's suggests a derivation from פַּרְעֹשׁ (par'osh, `{{H6550}}`, "flea"), the semantic meaning of "pile" or "heap" is consistently associated with the verbal root צבר (tsabar), meaning "to heap up, to store up." Therefore, צִבֻּר fundamentally describes a collection or aggregation, implying quantity and often, a lack of order or a consequence of gathering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word צִבֻּר (tsibbur, `{{H6652}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Exodus:
* [[Exodus 8:14]]: "And they gathered them together upon heaps: and the land stank."
This sole occurrence is found within the narrative of the plague of frogs in Egypt. Following the death of the innumerable frogs, the Egyptians gathered them into "heaps" (צִבֻּר). The context is critical:
1. **Divine Judgment:** The "heaps" are a direct consequence of God's judgment upon Egypt, demonstrating His power over creation and His ability to bring about overwhelming destruction.
2. **Magnitude and Consequence:** The word emphasizes the sheer number of dead frogs, so vast that they could only be described as "heaps." This detail underscores the severity and pervasiveness of the plague, which left a tangible, foul-smelling residue throughout the land.
3. **Sensory Impact:** The mention of the land "stinking" highlights the unpleasant and inescapable reality of the plague's aftermath. The "heaps" were not merely visual but contributed to a pervasive, noxious environment, intensifying the suffering of the Egyptians.
Thus, in its singular biblical use, צִבֻּר serves as a powerful descriptor of the physical manifestation of divine wrath and the overwhelming nature of God's intervention.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related Hebrew root for צִבֻּר (tsibbur, `{{H6652}}`) is צבר (tsabar), meaning "to heap up" or "to store up." This root is found in other forms such as מִצְבָּר (mitsbar, "a heap" or "mound"), as seen in [[Nehemiah 3:34]] (Hebrew: [[Nehemiah 4:2]]), referring to heaps of rubbish.
Concepts related to צִבֻּר include:
* **Abundance/Multitude:** Words like רַב (rav, "much," "many") or מְלֹא (melo, "fullness") convey the idea of great quantity, which is inherent in the concept of a "heap."
* **Accumulation/Storage:** The act of piling up implies gathering and storing, whether for provision or, as in the case of צִבֻּר, as a result of an overwhelming event.
* **Judgment/Consequence:** In its biblical context, צִבֻּר is linked to the tangible, often unpleasant, outcomes of divine judgment.
### Theological Significance
Though a hapax legomenon (a word appearing only once), צִבֻּר (tsibbur, `{{H6652}}`) carries significant theological weight within its specific context.
1. **Manifestation of Divine Power:** The "heaps" of frogs serve as a concrete, undeniable testament to the overwhelming power of God. He is not merely a distant deity but one who actively intervenes in human affairs, bringing about physical and undeniable consequences.
2. **The Reality of Judgment:** The word underscores the tangible and often repulsive reality of divine judgment. It is not an abstract concept but one that impacts the very fabric of existence, creating literal "heaps" of death and decay. This visceral imagery serves as a powerful warning against rebellion.
3. **God's Sovereignty Over Creation:** The ability to bring forth and then remove such a vast number of creatures, leaving them in "heaps," demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, even the smallest of creatures like frogs.
4. **A Symbol of Overwhelming Consequence:** While simple in its definition, צִבֻּר becomes a symbol of the overwhelming and inescapable consequences of defying the Lord. The "heaps" are a constant, malodorous reminder of Pharaoh's stubbornness and God's unwavering purpose.
### Summary
The Hebrew word צִבֻּר (tsibbur, `{{H6652}}`) means "a pile" or "a heap," denoting an accumulation or mass. Its sole appearance in the biblical text is in [[Exodus 8:14]], where it describes the "heaps" of dead frogs following the second plague upon Egypt. This singular usage powerfully conveys the magnitude and tangible, unpleasant reality of God's judgment. While its proposed derivation in Strong's is unusual, its meaning aligns with the common Hebrew root for "to heap up." Theologically, צִבֻּר vividly illustrates the overwhelming nature of divine power, the undeniable reality of judgment, and God's absolute sovereignty over creation, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of rebellion against Him.
TRV