### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tsâhôb**, represented by `{{H6669}}`, means **golden in color** or **yellow**. It appears only 3 times in 3 verses, with all occurrences found in the legal texts of Leviticus. Its usage is highly specific, serving as a diagnostic indicator for the priestly assessment of skin diseases.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6669}}` is used exclusively within the laws concerning ritual purity and the identification of leprosy. It functions as a key sign for a priest (`{{H3548}}`) who is examining a plague (`{{H5061}}`) or scall (`{{H5424}}`). The presence of a **yellow** (`{{H6669}}`) thin (`{{H1851}}`) hair (`{{H8181}}`) within an infection on the head (`{{H7218}}`) or beard (`{{H2206}}`) was a definitive marker of uncleanness, leading the priest to diagnose it as leprosy (`{{H6883}}`) [[Leviticus 13:30]]. Conversely, the absence of **yellow** hair after a seven-day (`{{H7637}}`) waiting period was a sign that the infection had not worsened [[Leviticus 13:32]]. However, if a scall was observed to spread (`{{H6581}}`) in the skin (`{{H5785}}`), the priest was not even required to seek (`{{H1239}}`) for **yellow** hair, as the person was already deemed unclean (`{{H2931}}`) [[Leviticus 13:36]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context in which **tsâhôb** is used:
* `{{H5061}}` **negaʻ** (plague, sore): This term describes the affliction or spot that requires priestly inspection. Its presence prompts an examination for signs like yellow hair [[Leviticus 13:30]]. It can also refer to divinely sent stripes or chastening [[2 Samuel 7:14]].
* `{{H5424}}` **netheq** (scall): This word identifies the specific type of skin disease, a "dry scall," where the appearance of `{{H6669}}` hair is a determining factor for diagnosis [[Leviticus 13:30]]. The law provides detailed procedures for observing a scall over time [[Leviticus 13:31-34]].
* `{{H6883}}` **tsâraʻath** (leprosy): This is the serious condition that the priest is trying to identify. A yellow hair in a scall is a sign of leprosy [[Leviticus 13:30]]. The laws surrounding leprosy were extensive, governing purity for individuals and even houses [[Leviticus 14:34]].
* `{{H3548}}` **kôhên** (priest): As an officiating minister, the priest was the authority designated to look (`{{H7200}}`) upon a plague and, based on evidence like `{{H6669}}` hair, pronounce a person clean or unclean [[Leviticus 13:30]]. This role was central to maintaining the holiness of the community.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6669}}` is tied to the principles of holiness and discernment in the Law.
* **Ritual Purity:** The distinction between clean and unclean was foundational to Israel's covenant life. A detail as small as a **yellow** hair could determine whether a person was ritually clean (`{{H2891}}`) or unclean (`{{H2931}}`), impacting their ability to participate in community worship [[Leviticus 13:36]].
* **Priestly Discernment:** The laws requiring the priest (`{{H3548}}`) to identify specific signs like a **yellow** hair highlight the importance of careful observation and judgment in spiritual matters. The priest could not be arbitrary but had to follow God's precise instructions to distinguish the holy from the profane [[Leviticus 13:30]].
* **God's Sovereignty:** These detailed regulations demonstrate God's authority over every aspect of life, including health and the body. The condition of one's skin (`{{H5785}}`) and hair (`{{H8181}}`) had spiritual implications, reflecting a worldview where nothing was outside of God's jurisdiction [[Leviticus 11:44]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6669}}` **tsâhôb** is a highly specialized term for the color **yellow**. Its biblical use is confined to the Levitical laws for diagnosing skin diseases. While it is a simple descriptive adjective, its function as a critical sign for the priest illustrates the profound importance of purity, separation, and careful discernment in Israel's covenant relationship with God. It shows how even the smallest physical detail could carry significant weight in matters of holiness.
TRV