### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew adjective H6715 (צָחֹר, tsâchôr) derives from a root that conveys the idea of brightness or dazzling whiteness. It specifically denotes a pure, brilliant white, a quality that is striking and distinct. Unlike some related terms that might imply scorching or parching, tsâchôr focuses solely on the visual aspect of intense whiteness. Its semantic range is narrow, primarily functioning as a literal descriptor of color, emphasizing a clean, unblemished white.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H6715 (צָחֹר, tsâchôr) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, in the book of Genesis:
* **[[Genesis 30:37]]**: "And Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chestnut tree; and pilled white strakes in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods."
In this context, tsâchôr describes the natural color of the wood beneath the bark of the poplar, hazel, and chestnut trees after Jacob peeled strips from them. The "white strakes" (literally, "peeled white") refer to the exposed, brilliant white inner wood. Jacob placed these strikingly white-striped rods in the watering troughs where the flocks came to drink, influencing their conception. The word here serves a purely descriptive function, highlighting the visual contrast and distinctiveness of the peeled wood. It is a concrete, observable whiteness that is central to Jacob's ingenious and divinely-blessed breeding strategy.
### Related Words & Concepts
H6715 (צָחֹר, tsâchôr) is part of a family of Hebrew words related to "white" or "brightness," each with nuanced distinctions:
* `{{H3835}}` (לָבָן, lavan): This is the most common and general term for "white" in the Hebrew Bible, used for a wide range of objects from garments and snow to the color of leprosy and the moon. It denotes a standard whiteness.
* `{{H6705}}` (צַח, tsach): Related to tsâchôr, this adjective often implies a more intense, dazzling, or pure white, frequently associated with purity, brilliance, or even the radiant appearance of God or His messengers (e.g., the whiteness of snow in [[Psalm 51:7]] or the purity of God's word in [[Psalm 19:8]]).
* `{{H6703}}` (צָחַח, tsachach): The verbal root from which tsach and tsâchôr are likely derived, meaning "to be dazzling white" or "to be parched/scorched," suggesting a brightness that can also be intense or dry.
* **Conceptual Links**: While tsâchôr itself is primarily descriptive in its sole occurrence, the broader biblical concept of "white" often carries symbolic weight. It frequently represents purity, holiness, righteousness, and divine presence (e.g., the white garments of angels or glorified figures). It can also signify a clean slate or forgiveness. In the context of Jacob's flocks, the "white" of the rods contributes to a narrative about the manipulation of natural phenomena, often seen as an act blessed by God, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation and His provision for His people.
### Theological Significance
Due to its singular occurrence in a highly specific descriptive context ([[Genesis 30:37]]), H6715 (צָחֹר, tsâchôr) does not carry a profound independent theological significance. Its primary role is to precisely describe the color "white" in a concrete, visual manner.
However, its presence within the narrative of Jacob's prosperity indirectly contributes to broader theological themes:
1. **Divine Providence and Blessing**: The "white" of the rods is an integral part of Jacob's strategy to increase his flocks, a strategy that is ultimately presented as divinely sanctioned or blessed ([[Genesis 30:43]], [[Genesis 31:7-12]]). Thus, the natural characteristic of "whiteness" becomes a tangible element within a narrative of God's provision and favor for His covenant people.
2. **God's Use of Natural Means**: The passage in Genesis highlights how God can work through natural processes and human ingenuity (even if the scientific mechanism described is pre-modern). The distinct "whiteness" of the peeled rods is a key visual stimulus in this process, demonstrating God's sovereignty over the seemingly mundane details of creation.
3. **Symbolism of White**: While tsâchôr itself isn't explicitly symbolic, it participates in the overarching biblical symbolism of "white" as a color of purity, distinction, and even divine favor, even if its immediate context is purely descriptive.
### Summary
The Hebrew adjective H6715 (צָחֹר, tsâchôr) denotes a pure, brilliant "white." Its sole appearance in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Genesis 30:37]], vividly describes the striking whiteness of peeled wood used by Jacob in his breeding strategy. While its meaning is primarily descriptive and concrete, emphasizing a distinct visual quality, its context places it within a narrative of divine providence and blessing. Though tsâchôr itself does not carry deep independent theological weight, it contributes to the broader biblical understanding of "white" as a color, which often symbolizes purity, distinction, and God's interaction with the natural world.
TRV