a primitive root; also denominative from צַיִד; to lie alongside (i.e. in wait); by implication, to catch an animal (figuratively, men); to victual (for a journey); chase, hunt, sore, take (provision).
Transliteration:tsûwd
Pronunciation:tsood
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb צוּד (tsûwd), `{{H6679}}`, is a primitive root carrying the fundamental sense of "to lie alongside" or, more specifically, "to lie in wait." This core meaning gives rise to a rich semantic range, primarily revolving around the act of pursuit and capture. Its most common application is "to hunt" or "to catch an animal," reflecting the activity of lying in wait for prey. By extension, it can be used figuratively to describe the "hunting" or "ensnaring" of men, often with negative connotations of deception, malice, or spiritual manipulation.
Crucially, צוּד is also noted as a denominative verb derived from צַיִד (tsayid), `{{H6718}}`, which means "game," "food," or "provision." This connection expands the verb's meaning to include "to victual" or "to prepare/take provisions for a journey." Thus, צוּד encompasses both the aggressive act of hunting/trapping and the practical act of gathering sustenance. This duality highlights a spectrum from predatory intent to necessary preparation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of צוּד in the Hebrew Bible demonstrate its varied applications:
* **Literal Hunting (for game):**
* In [[Genesis 27:3]] and [[Genesis 27:5]], צוּד describes Esau's activity of hunting wild game for his father Isaac. Here, it is a straightforward depiction of a common ancient practice, neutral in moral valence. The focus is on the act of securing food from the wilderness.
* **Figurative Hunting/Ensnaring (of people/souls):**
* [[Lamentations 3:52]] uses צוּד to describe enemies who "hunted me down like a bird, though I was innocent." This vividly portrays the relentless and cunning pursuit of an innocent victim, emphasizing the predatory nature of the oppressors.
* In [[Ezekiel 13:18]] and [[Ezekiel 13:20]], the Lord condemns false prophetesses who "hunt souls" by weaving magical bands and veils. Here, צוּד signifies spiritual deception and manipulation, where the aim is to ensnare and control people for selfish gain, leading them away from truth. This is a strong indictment of spiritual malpractice.
* [[Micah 7:2]] laments the moral decay of society, stating that "each hunts his brother with a net." This illustrates a pervasive atmosphere of treachery and betrayal, where people actively seek to exploit or harm one another through cunning and deceit, rather than living in community.
* **Preparing Provisions (Victualing):**
* [[Joshua 9:5]] and [[Joshua 9:14]] describe the Gibeonites' deceptive act of preparing "provisions" (from the related noun צודָה, `{{H6680}}`, but implying the action of צוּד) for their journey to mislead Joshua. While the overall context is one of deceit, the verb itself refers to the practical act of gathering and preparing food for travel. This highlights the neutral aspect of the verb when referring to sustenance.
These contexts reveal that while the root meaning is consistent ("to lie in wait/pursue"), the moral and theological implications shift dramatically based on the object and intent of the "hunting" or "preparing."
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of צוּד is enriched by several related Hebrew terms:
* צַיִד (tsayid) `{{H6718}}`: A masculine noun meaning "game," "food," "provision," or "prey." This is the direct noun from which צוּד is denominatively derived for its "victualing" sense.
* צודָה (tsudah) `{{H6680}}`: A feminine noun meaning "provision" or "victuals," directly related to צוּד in its sense of preparing food.
* צַיָּד (tsayyad) `{{H6719}}`: A masculine noun meaning "hunter," the agent noun derived from צוּד.
* יָקַשׁ (yaqash) `{{H3369}}`: "to lay a snare," "to ensnare," or "to trap." This verb shares a strong conceptual overlap with צוּד when צוּד is used in the sense of catching or entrapping, particularly in its negative, figurative uses.
* מָצוֹד (matsowd) `{{H4685}}` / מְצוּדָה (metsudah) `{{H4686}}`: Nouns referring to a "net," "snare," or "stronghold/fortress" (a place of capture or defense). These terms reinforce the imagery of trapping and capture.
* Concepts such as cunning, deception, pursuit, sustenance, and predation are all intimately linked to the various uses of צוּד. The word often evokes a sense of calculated action, whether for survival or for malicious intent.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of צוּד `{{H6679}}` is multifaceted, reflecting its dual semantic range:
1. **Divine Provision (Implicit):** While צוּד is not directly used to describe God's provision (e.g., manna), the "victualing" aspect of the word, seen in [[Joshua 9:5]], points to the broader biblical theme of sustenance. God is the ultimate provider who ensures His people have what they need for their journey through life. This aspect of צוּד can be seen as a human reflection of a divine principle of care.
2. **Spiritual Deception and Warfare:** The most prominent theological use of צוּד is in its negative, figurative sense of "hunting souls" or "ensnaring men." This imagery is crucial for understanding the nature of spiritual evil and false teaching.
* In [[Ezekiel 13]], the prophetesses who "hunt souls" are condemned because they lead people astray from God's truth through lies and manipulation. This highlights the grave danger of those who claim divine authority but operate with selfish, destructive motives, preying on the vulnerable.
* This concept underscores the reality of spiritual warfare, where forces of evil (whether human agents or demonic influences) seek to entrap believers, drawing them away from righteousness and into sin or false doctrines.
3. **Human Malice and Injustice:** When צוּד describes humans hunting other humans ([[Micah 7:2]], [[Lamentations 3:52]]), it exposes the depth of human depravity and injustice. It speaks to the active, deliberate pursuit of harm against the innocent, the exploitation of the weak, and the breakdown of communal trust. This use of the word serves as a lament over moral corruption and a call for divine justice.
4. **The Call to Discernment:** Given the negative uses of צוּד to describe ensnarement, the biblical text implicitly calls believers to vigilance and discernment. Recognizing the "traps" laid by the wicked or by false prophets requires spiritual wisdom and adherence to God's revealed truth, enabling one to avoid being "hunted" or "caught."
### Summary
The Hebrew verb צוּד (tsûwd), `{{H6679}}`, is a dynamic word rooted in the concept of "lying in wait." Its semantic range extends from the literal act of "hunting" animals for sustenance to the figurative "ensnaring" of individuals, often with malicious intent. Derived also from the noun for "provision," it encompasses the practical act of "victualing" or preparing food for a journey. Theologically, צוּד illuminates critical themes: it subtly points to the broader concept of divine provision, but more powerfully warns against spiritual deception and the predatory nature of human malice and injustice. Its various applications collectively emphasize the importance of discernment in navigating a world where both sustenance and spiritual danger are actively pursued.
TRV