from an unused root meaning to putrefy; stench; ill savour.
Transliteration:tsachănâh
Pronunciation:tsakh-an-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term *tsachănâh* (`{{H6709}}`) denotes a "stench" or "ill savour." Its etymological root, though unused in the biblical corpus, carries the meaning "to putrefy," indicating that the "stench" is specifically one arising from decay, corruption, or decomposition. It describes a foul, offensive odor, far beyond mere unpleasantness, implying a state of rot or putrefaction. This word inherently carries a negative connotation, pointing to something that is decaying, offensive, and repulsive.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *tsachănâh* (`{{H6709}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in [[Psalm 38:5]]. The context of this singular occurrence is deeply significant: "My wounds are foul and festering because of my foolishness."
Here, *tsachănâh* describes the physical condition of the psalmist's wounds, emphasizing their putrid, decaying state. The Septuagint translates it with words like "stench" (οζω) and "corruption" (σαπρος), reinforcing the meaning of a repulsive, decaying smell. Crucially, the psalmist attributes this physical decay and accompanying stench directly to his "foolishness" (אִוֶּלֶת, *ʾiwwelĕt*), which in biblical wisdom literature often signifies sin or rebellion against God. This establishes a profound connection between the physical manifestation of decay and an underlying spiritual or moral failing. The stench is not merely an unfortunate physical ailment but a tangible consequence and symbol of his sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Hebrew terms relate to the concept of foulness or decay, providing a broader semantic field for *tsachănâh* (`{{H6709}}`):
* *Bo'sh* (בָּאַשׁ, `{{H889}}`): This verb means "to stink," "to be offensive," or "to rot." It is frequently used to describe a literal bad smell (e.g., manna in [[Exodus 16:20]]) but also metaphorically for moral corruption or disgrace (e.g., [[1 Samuel 13:4]]).
* *Nabol* (נָבֹל, `{{H5034}}`): Used in [[Psalm 38:5]] alongside *tsachănâh*, this verb means "to fade," "to wither," or "to decay." It emphasizes the process of deterioration that leads to the stench.
* Concepts of defilement (טָמֵא, *ṭāmēʾ*, `{{H2930}}`), corruption, and the consequences of sin are closely associated. The physical stench serves as a potent symbol for spiritual impurity or the abhorrent nature of sin in the eyes of a holy God.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of *tsachănâh* (`{{H6709}}`) in [[Psalm 38:5]] carries immense theological weight. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the repulsive nature and destructive consequences of sin. The psalmist's physical wounds, characterized by their foul stench, are presented not merely as a medical condition but as a direct result of his "foolishness" or sin. This highlights:
1. **The Tangibility of Sin's Consequences:** Sin is not merely an abstract concept but can manifest in tangible, often repulsive, ways in the physical realm. The stench underscores the severity and repulsiveness of the sin.
2. **Divine Displeasure:** Just as a foul odor repels, sin creates a spiritual repulsion in the presence of a holy God. The stench symbolizes the abhorrence of sin from a divine perspective.
3. **Lament and Repentance:** The psalmist's vivid description of his decaying state, linked to his sin, forms part of a lament. It expresses deep distress and possibly a plea for divine healing and forgiveness, acknowledging the profound impact of his transgression.
4. **Moral Decay:** The physical putrefaction mirrors a deeper moral or spiritual decay. The "stench" is a sign of something fundamentally wrong and corrupted.
### Summary
*Tsachănâh* (`{{H6709}}`) precisely denotes a "stench" or "ill savour" arising from putrefaction. Its unique appearance in [[Psalm 38:5]] is profoundly evocative, linking the physical decay and offensive odor of the psalmist's wounds directly to his "foolishness" or sin. This word thus functions as a potent biblical metaphor, illustrating the repulsive, destructive, and tangible consequences of sin. It underscores the severity of moral transgression, portraying it as something putrid and abhorrent in the sight of God, prompting a deep lament and a cry for divine intervention and healing.
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