### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tsûwts**, represented by `{{H6692}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to twinkle, i.e. glance; by analogy, to blossom (figuratively, flourish); bloom, blossom, flourish, shew self**. It appears **9 times** across **9 unique verses** in the Bible. This term encompasses both the literal act of a plant blooming and the figurative concept of flourishing, whether temporary or enduring.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H6692}}` is used to illustrate several distinct ideas. In a literal sense, it describes the miraculous event of Aaron's rod, which "bloomed **blossoms**" `{{H6731}}` as a divine sign [[Numbers 17:8]]. Figuratively, it often depicts a temporary flourishing, such as man's life which **flourisheth** like a flower in the morning and is gone by evening ([[Psalms 90:6]], [[Psalms 103:15]]). This imagery is also applied to the wicked, who **flourish** like grass before their destruction [[Psalms 92:7]]. In contrast, it signifies enduring prosperity for God's chosen, whose crown shall **flourish** [[Psalms 132:18]] and who will **blossom** and fill the world with fruit [[Isaiah 27:6]]. A unique usage appears in [[Song of Solomon 2:9]], where it means **shewing** himself, connecting to the root idea of a glance or a twinkle.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of blossoming and flourishing:
* `{{H6524}}` **pârach** (to break forth as a bud, i.e. bloom; ... flourish): This word for budding or blooming is often used in tandem with `{{H6692}}`. In [[Isaiah 27:6]], Israel is prophesied to **blossom** `{{H6692}}` and **bud** `{{H6524}}`. Similarly, [[Ezekiel 7:10]] warns that "the rod hath **blossomed** `{{H6692}}`, pride hath **budded** `{{H6524}}`."
* `{{H6731}}` **tsîyts** (a flower (as bright-colored); a wing): As a noun derived from the same root, this word for "flower" or "blossom" is a direct counterpart. Aaron's rod miraculously "bloomed **blossoms**" `{{H6731}}` [[Numbers 17:8]], and man's transient life is compared to a **flower** `{{H6731}}` of the field that **flourisheth** `{{H6692}}` [[Psalms 103:15]].
* `{{H6212}}` **ʻeseb** (grass (or any tender shoot)): This word for grass provides the key metaphor for transient flourishing. The wicked **flourish** `{{H6692}}` like **grass** `{{H6212}}` before they are destroyed [[Psalms 92:7]], and the people of the city are to **flourish** `{{H6692}}` like **grass** `{{H6212}}` of the earth [[Psalms 72:16]].
* `{{H8327}}` **shârash** (to root, i.e. strike into the soil): This term provides the foundation for lasting flourishing. For Israel to **blossom** `{{H6692}}`, the Lord must first cause them "to **take root**" `{{H8327}}` [[Isaiah 27:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6692}}` is seen in its contrasting applications.
* **Divine Confirmation:** The most direct theological use is in the story of Aaron's rod. The rod that "bloomed **blossoms**" `{{H6692}}` served as an undeniable, miraculous sign from God to establish Aaron's rightful priestly authority [[Numbers 17:8]].
* **The Brevity of Life:** The Psalms use `{{H6692}}` to teach on the temporary nature of human existence. Man **flourisheth** like a flower or grass [[Psalms 103:15]] that is vibrant in the morning but withers by evening [[Psalms 90:6]], highlighting life's fragility.
* **Transient vs. Enduring Prosperity:** The word creates a sharp contrast. The wicked may **flourish** `{{H6692}}` for a moment like grass, but their end is destruction [[Psalms 92:7]]. Conversely, the flourishing promised to David's heir [[Psalms 132:18]] and to a rooted Israel [[Isaiah 27:6]] is presented as a lasting and fruitful blessing from God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6692}}` **tsûwts** is a dynamic word that moves beyond a simple description of blooming. It carries significant figurative weight, contrasting the fleeting, superficial flourishing of the wicked and of mortal life with the deep-rooted, divinely-backed prosperity of God's covenant people and their king. From the miraculous blooming of a dead stick [[Numbers 17:8]] to the subtle glance of a lover [[Song of Solomon 2:9]], **tsûwts** captures a spectrum of appearances, both vibrant and momentary.
TRV