from a form of צוּד and meaning the same; the chase; also game (thus taken); (generally) lunch (especially for a journey); [idiom] catcheth, food, [idiom] hunter, (that which he took in) hunting, venison, victuals.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word צַיִד (tsayid, `{{H6718}}`) is a masculine noun derived from the root צוּד (tsud, `{{H6679}}`), which primarily means "to hunt," "to lie in wait," or "to ensnare." Consequently, the core meaning of צַיִד encompasses both the *act* of hunting or the "chase," and the *result* of hunting, namely "game" or "prey" (e.g., venison).
Beyond this primary sense, the semantic range of צַיִד extends to more general concepts of "food" or "provisions," particularly "food for a journey" or "victuals." This extension is natural, as hunted game was a significant source of sustenance, especially for those traveling or living off the land. Idiomatic uses can also imply "that which is caught" or even, by metonymy, the "hunter" himself (though this is less common and often inferred from context). The word thus bridges the concepts of acquisition through pursuit and the sustenance derived from such acquisition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term צַיִד (tsayid, `{{H6718}}`) appears in various significant contexts within the Hebrew Bible, illuminating its diverse applications:
* **Hunting and Hunters:** In [[Genesis 10:9]], Nimrod is famously described as "a mighty hunter before the Lord," with צַיִד here referring to the activity or skill of hunting. This highlights the early recognition of hunting as a significant human endeavor.
* **Hunted Game/Venison:** Perhaps the most prominent usage is in the narrative of Jacob and Esau. Esau is characterized as "a skillful hunter, a man of the field," and Isaac's affection for him is explicitly linked to his enjoyment of Esau's "game" (צַיִד) ([[Genesis 25:28]]). The entire deception orchestrated by Rebekah and Jacob hinges on the preparation of "venison" (צַיִד) for Isaac ([[Genesis 27:3]], [[Genesis 27:5]], [[Genesis 27:7]], [[Genesis 27:19]], [[Genesis 27:25]], [[Genesis 27:30]], [[Genesis 27:31]]). Here, צַיִד denotes the specific animal flesh acquired through hunting, prepared for consumption.
* **Provisions for a Journey:** The word is also used to describe food carried for travel. In the account of the Gibeonites' deception, they present themselves as coming from a distant land, showing their "dry and crumbly provisions" (צַיִד) to Joshua and the Israelites ([[Joshua 9:5]], [[Joshua 9:12]]). This usage emphasizes the practical necessity of sustenance for those on a prolonged journey.
* **General Food/Victuals:** In [[Nehemiah 13:15]], the text mentions people bringing "fish and all kinds of merchandise" into Jerusalem on the Sabbath, which would include various forms of צַיִד as general provisions or goods acquired through hunting/fishing. Similarly, [[Proverbs 12:27]] speaks of "the lazy man does not roast his game," referring to the failure to process and enjoy the fruit of one's labor, here specifically hunted food.
* **Figurative/Poetic Use:** In [[Job 41:11]], in a discussion of Leviathan's untameable nature, the phrase "Who has given to Me, that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is Mine" (KJV "Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine") uses צַיִד in a more abstract sense, possibly referring to spoils or acquisition. This verse underscores God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation, implying that even the mightiest "catch" belongs to Him.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of צַיִד (tsayid, `{{H6718}}`) is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms:
* **צוּד (tsud, `{{H6679}}`):** The verbal root from which צַיִד is derived. This verb signifies the act of hunting, lying in wait, or ensnaring, providing the fundamental action behind the noun.
* **מָצוֹד (matsod, `{{H4685}}`):** A related noun meaning "hunting," "net," or "snare." This term emphasizes the tools or methods used in hunting.
* **מְצוּדָה (metsudah, `{{H4686}}`):** While often meaning "fortress" or "stronghold," this word also shares the root's sense of "trapping" or "enclosing," which can be seen in the context of hunting.
* **צִידָה (tsidah, `{{H6720}}`):** A very closely related noun, often synonymous with צַיִד in the sense of "provisions" or "food for a journey." The slight difference in form often indicates a nuance rather than a distinct meaning, with both terms frequently used interchangeably for sustenance on a trip.
The concepts intertwined with צַיִד include:
* **Provision and Sustenance:** The most direct conceptual link, highlighting how humans acquire food for survival.
* **Livelihood and Labor:** Hunting represents a form of labor and a means of securing one's livelihood.
* **Dominion and Stewardship:** The act of hunting implies humanity's delegated authority over the animal kingdom, as outlined in [[Genesis 1:28]].
* **Cunning and Deception:** As seen in the Jacob and Esau narrative, the pursuit of צַיִד can be tied to strategic planning, and tragically, to manipulative schemes.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of צַיִד (tsayid, `{{H6718}}`) is multifaceted, touching upon themes of divine provision, human responsibility, and the nature of blessing and deception.
Firstly, while צַיִד refers to food acquired through human effort (hunting), it implicitly points to **God's ultimate provision**. The very existence of game and the ability to hunt and gather are gifts from the Creator. Humanity's sustenance, whether from cultivated land or hunted game, flows from the divine generosity that sustains all life.
Secondly, the concept of hunting reflects humanity's **dominion and stewardship** over creation. As given in [[Genesis 1:28]], humans are tasked with subduing the earth and having dominion over its creatures. Hunting, when practiced responsibly, is an exercise of this delegated authority, providing sustenance while acknowledging the created order.
Thirdly, the narrative of Jacob and Esau profoundly shapes the theological understanding of צַיִד. Esau's identity is deeply intertwined with his skill as a hunter and the "venison" he provides. This emphasizes the **value placed on tangible provision and physical prowess** in certain cultural contexts. However, the story also reveals how this physical provision, and the father's preference for it, becomes entangled in a scheme of **deception and the manipulation of blessing**. Esau's focus on the immediate gratification of food (his hunger for Jacob's stew) and his skill in hunting ultimately overshadow his appreciation for his spiritual birthright, leading to a loss that has profound theological implications for the lineage of the covenant.
Finally, the use of צַיִד for "provisions for a journey" can be seen as a metaphor for **human dependence on divine sustenance** during life's pilgrimage. Just as physical journeys require physical provisions, the spiritual journey of faith requires spiritual nourishment provided by God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word צַיִד (tsayid, `{{H6718}}`) is a rich term encompassing "the chase" or act of hunting, "game" or hunted food, and more broadly, "provisions" or "victuals" for sustenance, especially during travel. Derived from the verb צוּד (tsud, `{{H6679}}`) meaning "to hunt" or "to ensnare," its core meaning highlights the acquisition of food through pursuit.
Biblical occurrences, notably in the Genesis accounts of Nimrod and the pivotal narrative of Jacob and Esau, showcase its primary sense of hunting and hunted venison. The Gibeonites' deception in Joshua further illustrates its use for "provisions for a journey." The word is closely related to other terms signifying hunting tools or provisions, such as מָצוֹד (matsod, `{{H4685}}`) and צִידָה (tsidah, `{{H6720}}`).
Theologically, צַיִד speaks to God's ultimate provision for humanity, humanity's role in exercising dominion over creation, and the complex interplay of human desire, labor, and the pursuit of blessing, as vividly portrayed in the narrative of Esau's hunting and his father's preference for his "venison," which became a catalyst for deception and a reordering of the covenantal line.
TRV