from an unused root apparently meaning to grip; a lock of stalks; handful.
Transliteration:tsebeth
Pronunciation:tseh'-beth
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word צֶבֶת (tsebeth, `{{H6653}}`) is derived from an unused root that appears to convey the action of gripping or grasping. Its core meaning thus centers on a physical quantity that can be held or gathered. The base definition specifies "a lock of stalks" or, more broadly, a "handful." This suggests a small, manageable bundle of harvested material, specifically grain stalks, that is gathered or held in the hand. The term emphasizes a concrete, tangible unit, often implying something that has been purposefully separated or collected. Its rarity in the biblical text underscores its specific and perhaps nuanced application in its sole occurrence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word צֶבֶת (tsebeth, `{{H6653}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Ruth:
* **[[Ruth 2:16]]**: "And also let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not: And let fall also some of the handfuls (צֶבֶת) for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not."
In this pivotal passage, Boaz, the wealthy landowner, instructs his young men concerning Ruth, the Moabite widow who has come to glean in his field. Boaz's directive goes beyond the standard provisions of the Law for gleaning (cf. [[Leviticus 19:9-10]]; [[Deuteronomy 24:19-22]]). Not only is Ruth permitted to glean *among* the sheaves (a privilege usually reserved for the reapers), but Boaz explicitly commands his workers to intentionally drop "handfuls" (צֶבֶת) of grain for her. This is a deliberate act of supererogatory kindness and generosity, ensuring that Ruth, a vulnerable outsider, would gather more than just the accidental leavings. The "handfuls" are not merely scattered grains but small, deliberate bundles, signifying an abundant and intentional provision. This single occurrence highlights Boaz's exceptional *hesed* (loyal love/kindness) and sets the stage for his redemptive role in Ruth's life.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept embodied by צֶבֶת (tsebeth, `{{H6653}}`) is closely related to the broader themes of harvest, provision, and agricultural labor in ancient Israel.
* **Harvesting Terms**: Words like קָצִיר (qatsir, `{{H7105}}`, "harvest" or "harvested grain") and עֹמֶר (omer, `{{H6016}}`, `{{H6018}}`, "sheaf" or "omer," a measure) describe the larger context of grain collection. *Tsebeth* represents a smaller, more specific unit within this process.
* **Gleaning**: The act of gleaning itself, represented by the verb לָקַט (laqat, `{{H3950}}`), is the primary activity Ruth is engaged in. The "handfuls" (צֶבֶת) are the specific items provided *for* her gleaning.
* **Provision and Generosity**: The word speaks to a tangible act of provision, linking it to concepts such as divine providence, care for the poor and vulnerable, and human generosity. It exemplifies the spirit of the gleaning laws, which were designed to ensure that the marginalized had access to food, but Boaz's command elevates it to an act of lavish grace.
* **Boaz's *Hesed***: The dropping of *tsebeth* is a concrete manifestation of Boaz's *hesed*, a central theme in the book of Ruth. It demonstrates active, compassionate love that goes beyond mere obligation.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, צֶבֶת (tsebeth, `{{H6653}}`) carries profound theological weight within its context in the book of Ruth.
1. **Divine Providence through Human Agency**: The "handfuls" represent God's providential care for Ruth, mediated through the extraordinary kindness of Boaz. It illustrates how God uses human generosity to provide for the needy, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant people and to the vulnerable within their midst.
2. **Grace Beyond Law**: Boaz's instruction to drop *tsebeth* for Ruth transcends the mere observance of the gleaning laws. It is an act of grace—unmerited favor and superabundant provision—which foreshadows the greater spiritual grace offered by God. It moves from legal allowance to lavish generosity.
3. **Symbol of Abundance**: The deliberate dropping of "handfuls" ensures that Ruth receives more than just what is accidentally left behind. It transforms a meager subsistence into a substantial provision, symbolizing God's desire to bless abundantly, not just minimally.
4. **Foundation for Redemption**: The provision of these "handfuls" is a crucial step in Ruth's journey from destitution to security and ultimately, to her role in the lineage of David and Christ. This small, tangible act of kindness lays the groundwork for the larger redemptive narrative of the book. The *tsebeth* is a concrete manifestation of the divine plan unfolding.
### Summary
The Hebrew word צֶבֶת (tsebeth, `{{H6653}}`) denotes a "handful" or "lock of stalks," derived from a root meaning "to grip." Its singular appearance in [[Ruth 2:16]] is highly significant, portraying Boaz's exceptional kindness towards Ruth. By commanding his reapers to intentionally drop these "handfuls" of grain, Boaz extends a grace that goes beyond the requirements of the Law, ensuring Ruth's abundant provision. Theologically, *tsebeth* serves as a powerful symbol of God's providential care for the vulnerable, mediated through human generosity. It underscores themes of grace, abundance, and the practical outworking of *hesed*, laying a foundational step in the unfolding narrative of redemption in the book of Ruth. Though a small detail, the "handful" profoundly illustrates the tangible nature of divine and human kindness.
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