or צִחָא; as if feminine of צִחֶה; drought; Tsicha, the name of two Nethinim; Ziha.
Transliteration:Tsîychâʼ
Pronunciation:tsee-khaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma צִיחָא (Tsîychâʼ) `{{H6727}}` is primarily a proper noun. Its base definition indicates it is "as if feminine of צִחֶה," which means "dry," "parched," or "drought." Therefore, while צִיחָא itself denotes a personal name, its underlying etymological root points to conditions of aridity, desolation, or extreme dryness. The semantic range of its root encompasses physical states of parched land and, by extension, can metaphorically suggest barrenness or hardship. However, in its biblical occurrences, this inherent meaning is subsumed by its function as an identifier for individuals.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word צִיחָא (Tsîychâʼ) `{{H6727}}` appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times as the name of a family head among the Nethinim, temple servants who returned from the Babylonian exile.
1. [[Ezra 2:43]]: "The children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth," lists צִיחָא as one of the ancestral heads of the Nethinim who returned with Zerubbabel.
2. [[Nehemiah 7:46]]: "The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth," provides a parallel account, confirming the same individual or family line in a similar census of returnees.
In both contexts, צִיחָא functions purely as a genealogical marker within lists of those who re-established the post-exilic community. There is no explicit textual connection between the name and its etymological root meaning of "drought" within these narratives. The significance lies in the family's participation in the restoration of temple service.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is צִחֶה (tsicheh) `{{H6723}}`, which means "dry," "parched," or "arid." This noun directly describes a state of drought or a place suffering from it (e.g., [[Isaiah 5:13]] referring to people parched with thirst). Other related terms include:
* צִיָּה (tsiyyah) `{{H6723}}`: A noun often translated as "dry ground," "desert," or "wilderness," denoting a desolate place (e.g., [[Psalm 107:35]] where dry ground is turned into springs).
* צָחַח (tsachach) `{{H6722}}`: The verbal root from which these terms derive, meaning "to be dry" or "to be parched."
The concept of the Nethinim is also related, as צִיחָא belonged to this group. The Nethinim were a class of temple servants, often performing menial tasks, whose presence was crucial for the functioning of the Second Temple.
### Theological Significance
While the name צִיחָא itself, as a proper noun, does not overtly carry theological weight, its etymological connection to "drought" (צִחֶה) offers subtle layers of meaning within the broader biblical narrative. "Drought" is a powerful theological motif in the Old Testament, frequently symbolizing divine judgment, the consequences of disobedience, or a period of spiritual barrenness and longing for God's presence (e.g., [[Amos 4:7-8]] on lack of rain as punishment). Conversely, the provision of water and relief from drought signifies God's blessing, restoration, and life-giving power (e.g., [[Isaiah 41:18]]).
The fact that a family named צִיחָא (evoking "drought") was among those who returned from exile to serve in the rebuilt temple is noteworthy. This could subtly symbolize:
* The transition from the "dry" and desolate period of Babylonian exile, a time of spiritual barrenness, to the restoration of worship and divine favor in Jerusalem.
* God's ability to bring forth fruitfulness and dedicated service even from those whose names might suggest hardship or emptiness.
The Nethinim, despite their often humble roles, were vital for the temple's operation, highlighting God's comprehensive call to service for all members of His covenant community, underscoring that even those whose lineage or names might evoke adversity are integral to His redemptive plan.
### Summary
The Hebrew lemma צִיחָא (Tsîychâʼ) `{{H6727}}` is a proper noun, appearing in [[Ezra 2:43]] and [[Nehemiah 7:46]] as the name of a family head among the Nethinim who returned from Babylonian exile. Although its direct biblical usage is limited to genealogical identification, its etymological root is linked to צִחֶה `{{H6723}}`, meaning "dry" or "drought." This underlying semantic field of aridity and desolation carries significant theological weight in the Old Testament, often representing divine judgment or spiritual barrenness. The presence of the צִיחָא family among the returning exiles, dedicated to temple service, can be seen as a subtle testament to God's transformative power, bringing forth renewed life and worship from a period of "drought" (exile) and demonstrating His use of all individuals, regardless of their background or even the evocative nature of their names, in His sacred purposes.
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