The Hebrew word tsicheh, represented by H6704, means parched or dried up. It is derived from an unused root meaning to glow. The term appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse, highlighting a specific and severe condition of judgment.
The sole use of H6704 is found in Isaiah 5:13, where it describes a devastating consequence of national sin. The prophet declares that because God's people H5971 have no knowledge H1847, they have gone into captivity H1540. As a result of this judgment, their honourable H3519 men H4962 are famished H7458, and their multitude H1995 is dried up with thirst H6772. The term paints a picture of extreme physical deprivation resulting from spiritual failure.
Several related words from its biblical context illuminate the meaning of tsicheh:
- H7458 râʻâb (hunger): This word describes the condition of the "honourable men" in Isaiah 5:13, serving as a parallel affliction to the multitude being "dried up." It signifies dearth and famine.
- H6772 tsâmâʼ (thirst): This term is explicitly linked to H6704 in Isaiah 5:13, identifying thirst as the direct cause for the multitude being parched. It can be used for literal or figurative thirst.
- H1847 daʻath (knowledge): The lack of knowledge is stated as the root cause for the judgment that leads to the people being famished and dried up Isaiah 5:13. Its absence leads to destruction Hosea 4:6.
- H1995 hâmôwn (multitude): This word identifies the group suffering from being "dried up." It refers to a crowd, company, or abundance of people, indicating the widespread nature of the judgment.
The theological weight of H6704 is centered on the theme of divine judgment.
- Consequence of Ignorance: The state of being dried up is a direct result of a lack of knowledge H1847. Isaiah 5:13 explicitly states this is the reason for the people's H5971 captivity and suffering, a theme echoed in Hosea 4:6 where a lack of knowledge leads to destruction.
- Physical and Spiritual Thirst: The word vividly connects a physical state (being parched) to a spiritual cause. The "thirst" H6772 mentioned in Isaiah 5:13 can be understood in light of Amos 8:11, which describes a "famine" not of bread or water, but of hearing the words of the LORD, illustrating that turning from God leads to both spiritual and physical desolation.
- Collective Judgment: The suffering described is corporate, affecting the entire "multitude" H1995 as well as their "honourable men" H3519. The term tsicheh is not used for a single person but for a crowd, emphasizing that the consequences of rejecting knowledge impact the nation as a whole.
In summary, H6704 tsicheh, though appearing only once, offers a stark depiction of judgment. It means parched or dried up, and its sole context in Isaiah 5:13 ties this physical affliction directly to a spiritual failure: a lack of knowledge H1847. The word encapsulates how spiritual barrenness manifests in tangible suffering, affecting an entire multitude H1995 and serving as a powerful symbol of the consequences of rejecting divine wisdom.
TRV