from צוּר and אֵל; rock of God; Tsuriel, an Israelite; Zuriel.
Transliteration:Tsûwrîyʼêl
Pronunciation:tsoo-ree-ale'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name Tsûwrîyʼêl (צוּרִיאֵל), Strong's number `{{H6700}}`, is a compound theophoric name, meaning "My Rock is God" or "Rock of God." It is derived from two primary Hebrew roots: `{{H6697}}` (צוּר, *tsur*), meaning "rock, cliff, fortress," and `{{H0410}}` (אֵל, *ʼel*), a general term for "God" or "deity," often used as a component in personal names to refer to the God of Israel. The term `{{H6697}}` (צוּר) frequently denotes strength, stability, and refuge in biblical literature, often metaphorically applied to God Himself as the ultimate source of security and steadfastness. Thus, Tsûwrîyʼêl encapsulates a profound theological declaration: God Himself is the unshakeable foundation and ultimate protector.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Tsûwrîyʼêl appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Numbers:
* [[Numbers 3:35]]: "And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward."
In this sole occurrence, Zuriel is identified as the head of the Merarite clan, one of the three major divisions of the Levites (along with the Gershonites and Kohathites). The context is the detailed organization of the Israelite camp and the assignment of duties for the service of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. The Merarites were specifically tasked with the responsibility of transporting the heavier, more structural components of the Tabernacle: its boards, bars, pillars, sockets, and all their associated implements. This role is particularly resonant with Zuriel's name, as he oversees the very "rock-like" or foundational elements of the sacred dwelling place.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Tsûwrîyʼêl draws upon rich theological vocabulary and concepts within the Hebrew Bible:
* **`{{H6697}}` (צוּר - *tsur*):** This word is extensively used to describe God as a "Rock" or "Fortress," emphasizing His reliability, immutability, and protective nature. Examples include [[Deuteronomy 32:4]] ("He is the Rock, His work is perfect"), [[Psalm 18:2]] ("The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer"), and [[Psalm 31:3]] ("For You are my rock and my fortress").
* **`{{H0410}}` (אֵל - *ʼel*):** As a component of many biblical names (e.g., Israel, Immanuel, Daniel, Samuel), *ʼel* signifies a direct relationship with God, often highlighting a specific attribute or action of the divine.
* **Divine Steadfastness:** The concept of God as a "rock" underscores His unwavering character and faithfulness, providing a secure refuge for His people amidst life's uncertainties.
* **Foundation and Stability:** In a broader sense, the name points to the divine source of all true stability, whether for an individual, a community, or even the structure of worship.
* **Theophoric Names:** Zuriel belongs to a large category of Hebrew names that incorporate a divine element, serving as miniature theological statements or prayers, reflecting the parents' faith or hope concerning their child and God's role in their lives.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Tsûwrîyʼêl lies primarily in its evocative meaning, "My Rock is God." This name serves as a powerful declaration of faith, asserting God's absolute reliability and strength as the ultimate foundation. For Zuriel, the leader of the Merarites, this name takes on a particularly symbolic resonance. His clan was responsible for the heavy, foundational elements of the Tabernacle—the very structure that housed God's presence among His people. This assignment, combined with his name, suggests that the physical stability of the Tabernacle, and by extension, the spiritual stability of Israel's worship and covenant relationship, was understood to rest upon the unshakeable nature of God Himself.
The name Zuriel thus embodies a core biblical truth: God is the unyielding source of security, strength, and refuge for His people. It reminds us that our true stability, both individually and corporately, is found not in human endeavors or material possessions, but solely in the steadfast character of the Almighty. It is a testament to a worldview where God is acknowledged as the bedrock upon which all life and worship are built.
### Summary
Tsûwrîyʼêl (`{{H6700}}`), transliterated as Zuriel, is a Hebrew name meaning "My Rock is God" or "Rock of God." Composed of `{{H6697}}` (צוּר, "rock") and `{{H0410}}` (אֵל, "God"), it appears once in the biblical narrative, identifying Zuriel as the chief of the Merarite clan in [[Numbers 3:35]]. The Merarites were responsible for transporting the structural components of the Tabernacle, a role that profoundly resonates with the name's emphasis on stability and foundation. The name's theological significance lies in its declaration of God as the ultimate source of strength, security, and unshakeable refuge, underscoring the biblical theme of divine steadfastness as the bedrock of both individual faith and communal worship.
TRV