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).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tsûwd**, represented by `{{H6679}}`, is a primitive root that means to **hunt**, **chase**, or **take provision**. It appears **18 times** in **15 unique verses**. The word's meaning extends from the literal act of catching an animal for food to the figurative, and often violent, pursuit of human beings. It can also refer to the act of gathering victuals for a journey.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Bible, `{{H6679}}` is used in several distinct contexts. It appears literally in the narrative of Isaac and his sons, where Isaac commands Esau to go to the field and **take** `{{H6679}}` him some venison ([[Genesis 27:3]], [[Genesis 27:5]]). The law in Leviticus also uses the term when giving instructions for a man who **hunteth** `{{H6679}}` and catches a beast or fowl that may be eaten [[Leviticus 17:13]]. Figuratively, the word takes on a darker tone, describing the persecution of people. The prophet Micah laments that wicked men **hunt** `{{H6679}}` their brothers with a net [[Micah 7:2]], and the psalmist warns that evil will **hunt** `{{H6679}}` the violent man [[Psalms 140:11]]. A unique usage appears in Joshua, where the Gibeonites refer to bread they took for their **provision** `{{H6679}}` for their journey [[Joshua 9:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify the meaning of `{{H6679}}`:
* `{{H6718}}` **tsayid** (venison, hunting, victuals): This word, from which `{{H6679}}` is sometimes derived, refers to the game being hunted or the provisions obtained. It is often used in close connection, as when Esau is sent to hunt for **venison** `{{H6718}}` [[Genesis 27:5]].
* `{{H6719}}` **tsayâd** (hunter): This noun specifically identifies the one who hunts. In [[Jeremiah 16:16]], God declares He will send for many **hunters** `{{H6719}}` who will **hunt** `{{H6679}}` the people of Israel as an act of judgment.
* `{{H5315}}` **nephesh** (soul, life, person): This word often identifies the quarry in figurative hunts. Ezekiel warns against false prophetesses who **hunt** the **souls** `{{H5315}}` of God's people ([[Ezekiel 13:18]], [[Ezekiel 13:20]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological themes associated with `{{H6679}}` are multifaceted, encompassing both divine provision and judgment.
* **Persecution of the Righteous:** The word is frequently used to depict the unjust and relentless pursuit of individuals. The enemies of the writer of Lamentations **chased** `{{H6679}}` him sore, like a bird, without cause [[Lamentations 3:52]]. Job, in his suffering, feels that God himself **huntest** `{{H6679}}` him like a fierce lion [[Job 10:16]].
* **Human Depravity:** In a state of sinfulness, humanity turns on itself. Micah uses the word to describe a society where men **hunt** `{{H6679}}` their own brothers [[Micah 7:2]], and Proverbs warns that the adulteress will **hunt** `{{H6679}}` for the precious life [[Proverbs 6:26]].
* **Divine Judgment:** God can employ "hunters" as instruments of His judgment. He promises to send hunters to **hunt** `{{H6679}}` a disobedient Israel from every mountain and hill [[Jeremiah 16:16]], signifying a comprehensive and inescapable judgment.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6679}}` conveys a powerful concept of pursuit that ranges from the literal to the metaphorical. While it can describe the simple act of hunting for food or taking provisions, its most significant use in Scripture is as a metaphor for the aggressive and often malicious pursuit of human beings. It illustrates themes of persecution, the consequences of sin, and the inescapable nature of divine judgment.
TRV