or צֹאָה ; feminine of צוֹא; excrement; generally, dirt; figuratively, pollution; dung, filth(-iness). Marg. for חֶרֶא.
Transliteration:tsôwʼâh
Pronunciation:tso-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term צוֹאָה (tsôwʼâh), Strong's `{{H6675}}`, is a feminine noun derived from a root related to "going out" or "being defiled." Its primary and most concrete meaning is "excrement" or "dung." This literal sense denotes human or animal waste, emphasizing its foulness and impurity. From this base, its semantic range extends to encompass "dirt" or "filth" in a more general sense, referring to any unclean or soiled matter. Crucially, צוֹאָה also carries a strong figurative meaning, representing "pollution," "moral impurity," or "spiritual defilement." In this extended sense, it signifies the abhorrent nature of sin, idolatry, or any act that renders one ceremonially or morally unclean before God. The word inherently conveys a sense of repulsiveness, disgrace, and abomination.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term צוֹאָה appears several times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently conveying its core meaning of defilement, whether literal or figurative.
In [[Isaiah 4:4]], the prophet speaks of the Lord washing away "the filth of the daughters of Zion." Here, צוֹאָה clearly refers to the moral and spiritual impurity, the sin and corruption, that had pervaded Jerusalem. The washing away of this "filth" is a metaphor for divine judgment and purification, leading to a restored and holy remnant.
[[Proverbs 30:12]] describes a generation "that are pure in their own eyes, and yet are not washed from their filth." This usage highlights spiritual hypocrisy and self-deception. The "filth" (צוֹאָה) here is internal, representing unconfessed sin and moral defilement that the individuals refuse to acknowledge or cleanse.
In [[Ezekiel 7:20]], the prophet condemns the people for making their beautiful ornaments into "filthiness" (צוֹאָה) and "abominations." This passage refers to the idolatrous use of precious items, turning what could be glorious into something detestable and defiling in God's sight. The term underscores the profound spiritual degradation caused by idolatry.
[[Nahum 3:6]] presents a vivid image of divine judgment: "I will throw abominable filth upon you, and make you vile, and make you a spectacle." Here, צוֹאָה is used literally and figuratively to describe the utter disgrace and humiliation that will befall Nineveh. To be covered with "filth" signifies public contempt, utter degradation, and the complete stripping away of honor.
Finally, [[Malachi 2:3]] warns unfaithful priests: "Behold, I will rebuke your offspring, and spread dung on your faces, the dung of your sacrifices, and you shall be swept away with it." This powerful image uses צוֹאָה in its most literal sense—excrement or dung—to symbolize the contempt God has for their polluted sacrifices and their defiled priesthood. It represents extreme humiliation and rejection, a direct consequence of their irreverence and failure to honor the Lord.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of צוֹאָה connects it to several related Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* צוֹא (tsow'): The underlying root, `{{H6674}}`, from which צוֹאָה is derived, often means "to go out" or "to be defiled." This connection highlights the inherent impurity associated with that which is expelled or rendered unclean.
* טָמֵא (tame'): `{{H2930}}`, meaning "unclean" or "defiled." This is a broader term for ritual, moral, or spiritual impurity, encompassing a wide range of prohibitions and conditions that render one unfit for sacred space or divine presence. צוֹאָה often contributes to or exemplifies טֻמְאָה (tum'ah), the state of uncleanness.
* שֶׁקֶץ (sheqets): `{{H8251}}`, meaning "detestable thing" or "abomination." This term is frequently used for idolatrous objects, unclean animals, or practices that are anathema to God, aligning with the "filthiness" of idolatry seen in [[Ezekiel 7:20]].
* חֶרֶא (chere'): `{{H2716}}`, also meaning "dung" or "excrement." The base definition of צוֹאָה notes its marginal use for חֶרֶא, indicating a close semantic overlap, particularly in the literal sense of waste.
* Concepts of Purity and Impurity: צוֹאָה stands in stark contrast to holiness (קֹדֶשׁ, `{{H6944}}`) and purity (טָהוֹר, `{{H2889}}`). Its presence signifies a state of defilement that requires cleansing or removal before one can approach God or be considered righteous.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of צוֹאָה lies in its potent imagery of defilement and its role in conveying God's perspective on sin and impurity.
Firstly, it underscores the **repulsiveness of sin** in God's eyes. When sin is described as "filth" or "dung," it communicates its utterly vile and detestable nature, far removed from the purity and holiness of God. This imagery is particularly strong in prophetic denunciations of idolatry and moral corruption, where human actions are depicted as a source of spiritual pollution that defiles both the individual and the land.
Secondly, צוֹאָה is a powerful symbol of **divine judgment and disgrace**. To be covered with "filth" or to have "dung" spread on one's face is the ultimate expression of humiliation, rejection, and divine wrath. It signifies being stripped of honor and reduced to an object of contempt, highlighting the severe consequences of disobedience and spiritual rebellion ([[Malachi 2:3]], [[Nahum 3:6]]).
Thirdly, the concept of washing away צוֹאָה points to the **necessity of purification and cleansing**. The prophetic call to remove this "filth" is a call to repentance and spiritual renewal. It anticipates God's gracious act of cleansing, whether through judgment that purges impurities or through a restorative work that washes away sin, as envisioned in [[Isaiah 4:4]]. This cleansing is essential for restoration to a right relationship with a holy God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word צוֹאָה (`{{H6675}}`) fundamentally denotes "excrement" or "dung," extending to general "dirt" or "filth." Beyond its literal meaning, it powerfully signifies "pollution" and "moral or spiritual impurity." Throughout its biblical occurrences, צוֹאָה consistently conveys a sense of repulsiveness, disgrace, and defilement. It serves as a vivid metaphor for the abhorrent nature of sin and idolatry in God's sight, illustrating the profound spiritual degradation that results from rebellion against divine standards. Furthermore, its usage in prophetic contexts underscores divine judgment, portraying the humiliation and rejection that await those steeped in impurity. Ultimately, the concept of צוֹאָה highlights the stark contrast between human sinfulness and God's holiness, emphasizing the critical need for divine cleansing and purification to restore a right standing before Him.
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