plural of צַד; sides; Tsiddim (with the article), a place in Palestine; Ziddim.
Transliteration:Tsiddîym
Pronunciation:tsid-deem'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma צִדִּים (Tsiddîym, `{{H6661}}`) is identified as the plural form of the noun צַד (tsad, `{{H6654}}`). The singular form, צַד, fundamentally denotes "side," "flank," or "boundary." Consequently, צִדִּים inherently carries the meaning of "sides" or "flanks" in its plural sense. However, in its sole biblical occurrence, it functions as a proper noun: Tsiddim (often transliterated as Ziddim), a specific geographical location in ancient Palestine. The derivation of the place name from a word meaning "sides" suggests a possible etymological connection to the physical characteristics of the location—perhaps situated on the "sides" or "borders" of a region, or possessing prominent "sides" such as hills or valleys.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word צִדִּים (Tsiddîym, `{{H6661}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Joshua.
* [[Joshua 19:35]]: "And the fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth,"
In this solitary occurrence, Ziddim is listed among the "fortified cities" (עָרֵי מִבְצָר, arey mivtzar) that constituted part of the tribal inheritance of Naphtali. The context is a detailed enumeration of the boundaries and settlements allocated to each of the Israelite tribes after the conquest of Canaan. The inclusion of Ziddim within a list of "fortified cities" suggests its strategic importance, likely serving as a defensive stronghold or a significant administrative center within Naphtali's territory. Its precise location within the tribal boundaries, alongside other named cities, underscores the meticulous division of the land under divine guidance. While the name itself, "Tsiddim" (sides), does not offer explicit contextual clues beyond its geographical designation, its fortification implies a role in securing the "sides" or borders of the tribal land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the singular form from which צִדִּים (Tsiddîym, `{{H6661}}`) derives: צַד (tsad, `{{H6654}}`), meaning "side," "flank," or "boundary." This root is used extensively throughout the Hebrew Bible to describe physical sides (e.g., sides of an altar, a building, or a body) and conceptual boundaries.
Other related Hebrew terms that pertain to geographical demarcation and territorial allocation include:
* גְּבוּל (gevul, `{{H1366}}`): "border," "boundary," "territory." This word is crucial in the book of Joshua for defining tribal inheritances.
* נַחֲלָה (nachalah, `{{H5159}}`): "inheritance," "possession." This concept is central to the distribution of the land to the tribes, of which Ziddim is a part.
* עִיר מִבְצָר (ir mivtzar, `{{H5892}}` and `{{H4013}}`): "fortified city." This phrase directly describes Ziddim in its biblical context, highlighting its defensive nature and strategic value within the tribal allotments.
The concept of precise geographical boundaries and the establishment of secure settlements is a recurring theme in the book of Joshua, signifying the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel.
### Theological Significance
While צִדִּים (Tsiddîym, `{{H6661}}`) as a proper noun does not carry direct theological weight in the same way a theological concept or divine attribute might, its inclusion in the biblical narrative holds indirect significance.
1. **Divine Faithfulness and Order:** The meticulous listing of cities like Ziddim in Joshua's account underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promise to Abraham to give his descendants the land of Canaan ([[Genesis 12:7]], [[Genesis 15:18-21]]). The precise allocation of territory, including fortified cities, demonstrates God's orderly provision and the tangible reality of the inheritance He bestowed upon His people.
2. **The Promised Land as a Divine Gift:** Ziddim, as part of Naphtali's inheritance, serves as a concrete example of the land being a divine gift, meticulously distributed by lot under God's direction ([[Joshua 14:2]]). This emphasizes that Israel's possession of the land was not by their own might but by divine decree and provision.
3. **Security and Settlement:** The designation of Ziddim as a "fortified city" highlights the practical need for security within the promised land. Even under divine protection, the Israelites were called to establish and maintain defensible positions, reflecting a balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in stewarding God's gifts. This also speaks to the establishment of stable communities within the new homeland.
### Summary
The Hebrew word צִדִּים (Tsiddîym, `{{H6661}}`) is the plural form of צַד (tsad, `{{H6654}}`), meaning "sides." In its singular biblical occurrence, it functions as a proper noun, Ziddim, a fortified city located within the tribal inheritance of Naphtali. Found exclusively in [[Joshua 19:35]], Ziddim is listed among other strategically important settlements that defined the boundaries and secured the territory of the tribe. Its inclusion in the meticulous record of land distribution in Joshua underscores God's faithful fulfillment of His covenant promises, His orderly provision for His people, and the establishment of secure habitations within the divinely gifted land of Canaan.
TRV