from צְחִיחַ; bare spot, i.e. in the glaring sun; higher place.
Transliteration:tsᵉchîychîy
Pronunciation:tsekh-ee-khee'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term צְחִיחִי (tsᵉchîychîy), Strong's `{{H6708}}`, is derived from the root צחח (tsachach), which conveys the idea of being dazzling, clear, or parched. The base definition for `{{H6708}}` points to a "bare spot" or "higher place," specifically one exposed to intense, glaring sunlight. This implies a surface that is dry, desolate, unadorned, or highly reflective. The suffix -ִי often denotes an adjectival or denominative form, suggesting something pertaining to or characterized by a bare, exposed quality. While the primary sense is one of physical exposure and lack of cover, the underlying root's association with brightness and clarity also hints at a quality of being unconcealed or plainly visible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is important to note that the specific form צְחִיחִי (tsᵉchîychîy), `{{H6708}}`, does not appear in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible. Its entry in Strong's Concordance indicates its derivation from צְחִיחַ (tsᵉchîyach), `{{H6707}}`, which is its more commonly attested base form. Therefore, to understand the semantic range and theological implications of `{{H6708}}`, we must examine the occurrences of its root form, `{{H6707}}`.
The term צְחִיחַ (tsᵉchîyach) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, each time with distinct yet related connotations:
1. **[[Exodus 24:10]]**: Here, צְחִיחַ describes the pavement or expanse under the feet of God during the theophany to Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders: "and they saw the God of Israel; and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in its clearness (צְחִיחַ)". In this context, צְחִיחַ denotes a state of absolute clarity, purity, and dazzling brightness, reflecting the unblemished glory and transcendence of God. It signifies an unclouded, transparent expanse, akin to the pristine blueness of the sky.
2. **[[Ezekiel 24:7]]**: In this prophetic oracle against Jerusalem, צְחִיחַ is used to describe a "bare rock" upon which blood was poured: "For her blood is in the midst of her; she set it upon the top of a rock (צְחִיחַ סֶלַע); she poured it not upon the ground, to cover it with dust." Here, the "bare rock" emphasizes the public, unconcealed, and indelible nature of Jerusalem's sin. The blood, symbolizing violence and unatoned guilt, remains exposed and visible, unable to be absorbed or hidden by the earth. This highlights the city's brazen defiance and the certainty of divine judgment for unrepented sin.
These two occurrences of the base word `{{H6707}}` illustrate the dual semantic potential of the root: from the dazzling purity of divine presence to the stark, unhidden exposure of human depravity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The conceptual field of צְחִיחִי is best understood by examining its linguistic relatives:
* **Root צחח (tsachach)**: This verbal root fundamentally means "to be dazzling white," "to be clear," or "to be parched." It conveys a sense of extreme brightness, purity, or dryness.
* **`{{H6707}}` צְחִיחַ (tsᵉchîyach)**: As discussed, this is the direct noun form, meaning "bare, clear, or dazzling expanse," used for both the divine pavement ([[Exodus 24:10]]) and the exposed rock ([[Ezekiel 24:7]]).
* **`{{H6705}}` צַח (tsach)**: An adjective meaning "dazzling," "white," or "clear." It is used to describe things like a "dazzling" complexion ([[Song of Solomon 5:10]]), "clean" teeth ([[Amos 4:6]]), or "pure" gold ([[Lamentations 4:2]]).
* **`{{H6706}}` צְחִיחָה (tsᵉchîychah)**: A feminine noun related to `{{H6707}}`, also referring to a "bare place" or "scorched ground." It appears in [[Jeremiah 4:11]] describing a "scorched wind" or "bare high places" in some interpretations.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of concepts ranging from brilliant purity and clarity to parched desolation and exposed vulnerability.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H6708}}` itself is not directly attested, its conceptual meaning, derived from `{{H6707}}`, carries profound theological weight. The idea of a "bare spot" or "higher place" exposed to light evokes several significant themes:
1. **Divine Purity and Transcendence**: In the context of `{{H6707}}` in [[Exodus 24:10]], the "clear" or "dazzling" expanse beneath God's feet signifies His absolute purity, unblemished glory, and transcendence. It is a space of perfect clarity, reflecting the very essence of the heavens, where no impurity can stand. This highlights God's inherent holiness and His separation from all that is corrupt.
2. **Unconcealed Sin and Inescapable Judgment**: The use of `{{H6707}}` in [[Ezekiel 24:7]] dramatically illustrates the concept of sin that cannot be hidden from God. The "blood on the bare rock" serves as a stark metaphor for the indelible stain of unatoned guilt. It signifies that certain acts of rebellion and violence are so egregious that they remain openly exposed before God and humanity, demanding reckoning. This underscores the truth that God sees all, and His justice will ensure that hidden things are brought to light.
3. **Vulnerability and Desolation**: The literal meaning of a "bare spot" or "higher place" exposed to the glaring sun can also symbolize vulnerability, desolation, and the consequences of divine judgment. A land or people left "bare" by God's judgment is stripped of its covering, its protection, and its life, becoming a testament to its own spiritual barrenness.
### Summary
The Hebrew term צְחִיחִי (tsᵉchîychîy), `{{H6708}}`, though not directly found in the biblical text, is a derivative of צְחִיחַ (tsᵉchîyach), `{{H6707}}`. Its core meaning encompasses a "bare spot" or "higher place" characterized by exposure to intense light, suggesting either pristine clarity or stark desolation. The theological significance of this word family is powerfully demonstrated through the dual contexts of `{{H6707}}`. In [[Exodus 24:10]], it portrays the dazzling, unblemished purity of God's presence, signifying His transcendence and holiness. Conversely, in [[Ezekiel 24:7]], it vividly depicts the unconcealed and indelible nature of sin, specifically unatoned blood, laid bare before divine judgment. Thus, the concept embedded in `{{H6708}}` and its root form speaks to both the radiant clarity of God's being and the inescapable visibility of human sin in His sight.
TRV