from צָדָה; (compare צְדָא); design; lying in wait.
Transliteration:tsᵉdîyâh
Pronunciation:tsed-ee-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term צְדִיָּה (tsᵉdîyâh, Strong's `{{H6660}}`) derives from the root צָדָה (tsâdâh), which primarily signifies "to lie in wait," "to ambush," or "to hunt." The base definition provided, "design; lying in wait," captures this dual aspect. "Design" suggests a premeditated plan or intention, while "lying in wait" specifies the nature of that design as one involving stealth, ambush, and often malicious intent. It implies a hidden, predatory act, where one party secretly prepares to ensnare or harm another. The comparison to צְדָא (tsᵉdâʼ, `{{H6659}}`), also meaning "to lie in wait" or "to waylay," reinforces this core semantic range of covert, hostile planning and execution. Thus, צְדִיָּה denotes a carefully crafted scheme, not merely a thought, but a design intended for a specific, often harmful, outcome, characterized by the element of surprise or hidden preparation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word צְדִיָּה (tsᵉdîyâh, `{{H6660}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Jeremiah:
* [[Jeremiah 11:19]]: "But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter; and I did not know that they had devised plots against me, saying, 'Let us destroy the tree with its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more.'"
In this poignant verse, the prophet Jeremiah laments the treacherous intentions of his adversaries. The phrase "devised plots" (וְהֵמָּה חָשְׁבוּ עָלַי צְדִיּוֹת) uses צְדִיָּה in its plural form, צְדִיּוֹת (tsᵉdîyot), clearly indicating multiple, specific "designs" or "ambushes." The context reveals the profound innocence and vulnerability of Jeremiah, who compares himself to a "gentle lamb led to the slaughter," unaware of the deadly "plots" being hatched against him. These designs are not mere disagreements but a concerted effort to silence and annihilate him ("cut him off from the land of the living"). The use of צְדִיָּה here underscores the malicious, premeditated, and secretive nature of the enemies' intent, highlighting their desire to entrap Jeremiah through hidden means, much like a hunter ambushes its prey.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical connection for צְדִיָּה (`{{H6660}}`) is its root verb צָדָה (tsâdâh, `{{H6649}}`), which carries the core meaning of "to lie in wait," "to ambush," or "to hunt." This root is found in various contexts describing hostile intentions and actions. Another closely related term is צְדָא (tsᵉdâʼ, `{{H6659}}`), a cognate that also means "to lie in wait" or "to waylay," further emphasizing the element of ambush and surprise attack.
Other Hebrew words that convey concepts of plotting, scheming, or conspiracy, though without the specific nuance of "lying in wait" inherent in צְדִיָּה, include:
* זָמַם (zâmam, `{{H2161}}`): "to devise," "to plot," often with evil intent (e.g., [[Psalm 37:12]]).
* מַחֲשָׁבָה (machashabah, `{{H4284}}`): "thought," "plan," "device," which can be neutral or negative (e.g., [[Proverbs 12:2]]).
* קֶשֶׁר (qesher, `{{H7195}}`): "conspiracy," "rebellion," often involving a group (e.g., [[2 Kings 11:14]]).
What distinguishes צְדִיָּה is its specific emphasis on a hidden, predatory design, an ambush rather than a general plan or open rebellion. It evokes the image of a hunter meticulously preparing to trap its unsuspecting victim.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of צְדִיָּה (`{{H6660}}`) in [[Jeremiah 11:19]] carries profound theological weight. It illuminates the nature of human evil and its confrontation with divine truth as embodied by the prophet. The "designs" or "plots" against Jeremiah represent the deep-seated hostility of a rebellious people against God's messenger and, by extension, against God's word itself. This word underscores the premeditated and insidious character of such opposition; it is not a spontaneous outburst but a carefully conceived plan to eliminate the voice of truth.
Furthermore, Jeremiah's unawareness ("I did not know") highlights human vulnerability and the hidden dangers that often surround the righteous. Yet, the very act of God revealing these "plots" to Jeremiah demonstrates divine omniscience and providential care. God is aware of the hidden designs of the wicked, even when His servants are not. This provides solace and a reminder that ultimate justice belongs to the Lord. The prophet's suffering, likened to a "gentle lamb led to the slaughter," also serves as a poignant foreshadowing of the suffering Servant, the Messiah, who would likewise be subjected to the malicious designs of men, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. Thus, צְדִיָּה speaks to the reality of spiritual warfare, the vulnerability of God's chosen, and the ultimate triumph of divine knowledge over human malevolence.
### Summary
The Hebrew word צְדִיָּה (tsᵉdîyâh, `{{H6660}}`) denotes a "design" or "plot" with a strong connotation of "lying in wait" or "ambush." Rooted in צָדָה (`{{H6649}}`), it signifies a premeditated, often malicious, and covert scheme intended to ensnare or harm. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Jeremiah 11:19]] vividly illustrates the prophet's innocence against the hidden, deadly "plots" devised by his enemies. This singular usage underscores the insidious nature of human opposition to divine truth, portraying evil as a carefully crafted strategy rather than a random act. Theologically, צְדִיָּה highlights the vulnerability of the righteous, the insidious character of human sin, and the ultimate awareness and sovereignty of God over all hidden designs.
TRV