or צַוָּר; (Nehemiah 3:5), or צַוָּרֹןlemma צַוָּרן missing vowel, corrected to צַוָּרֹן; (Song of Solomon 4:9), or (feminine) צַוָּארָה; (Micah 2:3), intensively from צוּר in the sense of binding; the back of the neck (as that on which burdens are bound); neck.
Transliteration:tsavvâʼr
Pronunciation:tsav-vawr'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word צַוָּאר (transliterated tsavvâʼr, `{{H6677}}`) primarily denotes the "neck" or "back of the neck." Its etymological root is often linked to צוּר (tsur, `{{H6696}}`), which carries the sense of "to bind," "to tie," or "to besiege." This etymological connection highlights the neck's role as the anatomical point where burdens are bound, yokes are placed, or control is exerted. The term can refer to the physical neck of humans or animals. Semantically, it extends beyond mere anatomy to encompass metaphorical meanings related to submission, rebellion, burden-bearing, adornment, and intimacy. The variations noted in the lemma, such as צַוָּר, צַוָּרֹן, and the feminine צַוָּארָה, generally maintain this core meaning, with slight morphological differences.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word צַוָּאר appears in various contexts, both literal and metaphorical:
* **Literal Physical Description:**
* **Embrace and Affection:** Often depicts acts of profound intimacy and reconciliation, where individuals fall upon another's neck in embrace. Examples include Esau falling on Jacob's neck ([[Genesis 33:4]]) and Joseph embracing Benjamin ([[Genesis 45:14]]) and his father Jacob ([[Genesis 46:29]]). This imagery conveys deep emotion, forgiveness, and reunion.
* **Bearing Burdens and Yokes:** The neck is the part of the body designed to bear weight. Prophets are commanded to place yokes upon their necks as a prophetic sign of impending servitude ([[Jeremiah 27:2]]). The breaking of a yoke from the neck symbolizes liberation ([[Jeremiah 28:10]], [[Isaiah 10:27]]).
* **Adornment:** The neck is a place for wearing ornaments, signifying beauty, honor, or wisdom. Wisdom is described as an ornament for the neck ([[Proverbs 1:9]]), and the beloved's neck is adorned with jewels ([[Song of Solomon 4:9]]).
* **Physical Vulnerability:** In some contexts, the neck can be a point of vulnerability or attack, as seen in the command not to put one's neck under a foreign yoke ([[Deuteronomy 28:48]]).
* **Metaphorical and Idiomatic Usage:**
* **Stubbornness and Rebellion:** While the more common idiom for "stiff-necked" is קְשֵׁה־עֹרֶף (using עֹרֶף, `{{H6203}}`, "back of the neck"), צַוָּאר contributes to the broader understanding of the neck as a symbol of human will and resistance. A neck that refuses to bend under a yoke or bow in submission signifies stubbornness and rebellion against divine authority.
* **Oppression and Deliverance:** The imagery of the yoke on the neck is a powerful metaphor for bondage, whether physical slavery or spiritual oppression. God's act of breaking the yoke from the neck consistently signifies divine intervention, liberation, and redemption for His people ([[Isaiah 10:27]], [[Jeremiah 30:8]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{H6203}}` (עֹרֶף, oreph): This word specifically means "the back of the neck" and is most famously used in the idiom קְשֵׁה־עֹרֶף ("stiff-necked"), denoting stubbornness and rebellion against God. While distinct, צַוָּאר (neck) and עֹרֶף (back of the neck) are semantically close and contribute to the same thematic field of submission and resistance.
* `{{H6696}}` (צוּר, tsur): The proposed root for צַוָּאר, meaning "to bind," "to tie," or "to besiege." This connection underscores the neck's function as a point of control, where burdens are secured or restraints are applied.
* `{{H5923}}` (עֹל, ol): "Yoke." This instrument is placed on the neck of animals or people to bear burdens or signify servitude. The neck is the direct recipient of the yoke, making this a closely related concept.
* **Concepts:** The word צַוָּאר evokes broader theological concepts such as submission, rebellion, bondage, liberation, intimacy, and honor.
### Theological Significance
The צַוָּאר (neck) holds profound theological significance, serving as a dynamic symbol of humanity's relationship with God and the experience of divine intervention.
* **Human Posture Towards God:** The neck is the pivot point between the head (representing will, intellect, and decision) and the body (representing action and obedience). Thus, the state of the neck metaphorically illustrates humanity's disposition towards the divine. A neck that is unyielding or "stiff" (in thematic connection with עֹרֶף) symbolizes profound rebellion, an unwillingness to bow in submission to God's commands or to bear the "yoke" of His covenant. Conversely, the act of bowing the neck signifies humility, repentance, and a willingness to submit to divine authority.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance:** The imagery of yokes on the neck powerfully conveys oppression and servitude, whether under human masters or the consequences of sin. God's promise and act of breaking the yoke from the neck of His people is a recurring motif of liberation and redemption. This demonstrates His sovereign power to deliver from bondage, offering freedom and restoration. It speaks to God's faithfulness in bringing His people out of affliction and into a state of liberty.
* **Covenant and Relationship:** The tender acts of embracing around the neck, as seen in familial reconciliations (e.g., Jacob and Esau), extend to illustrate God's own relational nature. While not directly applied to God's embrace of humanity in the same literal way, these instances provide a human analogy for deep affection, forgiveness, and the restoration of relationship, echoing the profound intimacy God desires with His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word צַוָּאר (tsavvâʼr, `{{H6677}}`) fundamentally refers to the "neck" or "back of the neck," deriving from a root suggesting "to bind." This etymology is crucial, as it underscores the neck's function as the anatomical point for bearing burdens and yokes. Biblically, צַוָּאר describes literal actions such as physical embraces, the carrying of loads, and the wearing of adornments. More significantly, it functions as a potent theological symbol. It represents the locus of human will and posture towards God: a stubborn, unyielding neck signifies rebellion and refusal to submit to divine authority, while the imagery of a yoke being broken from the neck powerfully symbolizes God's redemptive act of liberation from oppression. Furthermore, the tender act of falling on another's neck in embrace illustrates deep affection, reconciliation, and the restoration of relationship. Thus, צַוָּאר encapsulates rich themes of human submission and defiance, divine judgment and deliverance, and the profound depth of relational connection within the biblical narrative.
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