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 **tsayid**, represented by `{{H6718}}`, refers to **game** or that which is taken in a hunt. It appears 19 times across 18 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning extends from the act of the chase itself to the resulting food, such as venison, and can also describe general provisions or victuals, especially for a journey.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6718}}` is used in several key contexts. It defines a person's skill or role, as with Nimrod, a "mighty **hunter**" [[Genesis 10:9]], and Esau, a "cunning **hunter**" [[Genesis 25:27]]. The word is central to the story of Jacob's deception, where Isaac asks Esau to hunt for **venison** [[Genesis 27:5]] so he can give his blessing. The term is also used for general provisions, such as the "victuals" the Gibeonites used in their ruse [[Joshua 9:14]] and the **provision** God promises to bless for Zion [[Psalms 132:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of hunting and sustenance:
* `{{H6679}}` **tsûwd** (to hunt): This is the primitive root from which `tsayid` is derived, meaning to lie in wait or to catch an animal. Esau went to the field **to hunt** for **venison** [[Genesis 27:5]], showing the direct link between the action and the object.
* `{{H4303}}` **maṭʻam** (savoury meat): This term for a delicacy is closely associated with `tsayid`. Isaac requested that Esau make him **savoury meat** from the **venison** he was to hunt [[Genesis 27:7]].
* `{{H3899}}` **lechem** (bread, food): As a staple food, `lechem` is sometimes paired with `tsayid` to indicate full sustenance. This is seen when God promises to bless Zion's **provision** and satisfy her poor with **bread** [[Psalms 132:15]], and in the description of the Gibeonites' old **bread** of their **provision** [[Joshua 9:5]].
* `{{H7198}}` **qesheth** (bow): An instrument for hunting, the **bow** is explicitly mentioned when Isaac instructs Esau to take his weapons, including his **bow**, and get him **venison** [[Genesis 27:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6718}}` is seen in its connection to divine oversight and human responsibility.
* **Divine Provision:** The word highlights God's role as the ultimate sustainer. He is the one who provides the raven its **food** (`tsayid`) [[Job 38:41]] and who promises to bless Zion's **provision** (`tsayid`) [[Psalms 132:15]].
* **Human Character and Action:** `tsayid` is tied to the identity and actions of key figures. Nimrod is remembered as a mighty **hunter** [[Genesis 10:9]], while Esau’s skill as a **hunter** is integral to the narrative of the blessing he lost to Jacob [[Genesis 25:27]].
* **Righteous Conduct and Law:** The word is used within the framework of law and wisdom. Leviticus gives instruction for handling a beast or fowl taken in a **hunt** (`catcheth`) [[Leviticus 17:13]], and Proverbs uses the failure to roast what was taken in **hunting** as an example of slothfulness [[Proverbs 12:27]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6718}}` is a multifaceted term that moves beyond a simple definition of "game." It encompasses the hunter, the chase, the resulting food, and the broader idea of provision. Its use in foundational narratives and legal contexts illustrates its importance in understanding themes of divine sustenance, human character, and the call to righteous living.
TRV