from the same as צַד; a siding; Tsedad, a place near Palestine; Zedad.
Transliteration:Tsᵉdâd
Pronunciation:tsed-awd'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma צְדָד (Tsᵉdâd), Strong's H6657, is a proper noun derived from the root צַד (tsad), which signifies "side," "flank," or "direction." The base definition for Tsᵉdâd indicates "a siding," which implies a boundary, an edge, or a peripheral location. As a geographical designation, it refers to a specific place, "Zedad," which is understood to be situated near the border of ancient Palestine. The inherent meaning of "siding" suggests a location that marks a limit or a deviation from a central path, emphasizing its role as a demarcation point.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term צְדָד (Tsᵉdâd) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Ezekiel 47:15]]. In this passage, it serves as a crucial geographical marker within the detailed description of the boundaries of the land to be allotted to the tribes of Israel in Ezekiel's prophetic vision. The verse states: "And this shall be the border of the land toward the north side, from the great sea, the way of Hethlon, as men go to Zedad;" Its inclusion in such a precise enumeration of borders highlights its importance as an identifiable landmark for defining the extent of the future territory. The context is highly cartographic and prescriptive, emphasizing the divine blueprint for the division and inheritance of the land among the tribes, underscoring the meticulousness of God's plan.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for צְדָד (Tsᵉdâd) is its root, צַד (tsad), `{{H6654}}`, which directly means "side" or "direction." This etymological link reinforces the concept of Zedad as a place on the "side" or "border." Other related concepts and words that frequently appear in discussions of land boundaries and inheritance include:
* גְּבוּל (gevul), `{{H1366}}`, meaning "border," "boundary," or "territory," a common term used extensively in biblical land descriptions.
* תְּחוּם (techum), `{{H8406}}`, also denoting "boundary" or "limit."
* נַחֲלָה (nachalah), `{{H5159}}`, referring to "inheritance" or "allotment," which is central to the theme of land distribution in the Old Testament, particularly in prophetic visions like Ezekiel's.
The appearance of Zedad within the eschatological geography of Ezekiel 47-48 links it to the broader biblical theme of the divinely ordained inheritance and the future restoration of Israel.
### Theological Significance
While צְדָד (Tsᵉdâd) as a geographical marker does not carry intrinsic theological depth beyond its function, its presence in Ezekiel's vision is profoundly significant. It contributes to the meticulous and tangible nature of God's prophetic promises concerning the land. The detailed description of boundaries, including specific points like Zedad, underscores the reality and precision of God's future restoration and the exactness with which He defines the inheritance of His people. The concept of divinely appointed "borders" in biblical theology often speaks to divine order, ownership, and the distinct identity of God's chosen people within a defined, sacred space. Zedad, therefore, serves as a testament to the divine blueprint for the renewed Israel, affirming God's sovereignty over the land and His faithfulness in fulfilling His detailed word, even to the level of seemingly minor geographical points. It speaks to the concreteness of God's covenant promises.
### Summary
צְדָד (Tsᵉdâd), Strong's H6657, is a proper noun derived from צַד (tsad), meaning "siding" or "border." Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Ezekiel 47:15]], where it functions as a precise landmark defining the northern boundary of the promised land in Ezekiel's prophetic vision. This word is intrinsically linked to the concepts of boundaries (e.g., `{{H1366}}`) and the divine inheritance of the land (e.g., `{{H5159}}`). Theologically, Zedad's inclusion highlights the meticulousness and specificity of God's plans for the future restoration of Israel, demonstrating His sovereign authority over the land and the precise fulfillment of His promises. It underscores the tangible reality of God's eschatological design and the divine order established for His people's inheritance.
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