The Hebrew word Tsîyʻôr, represented by H6730, is a proper name for a place in Palestine known as Zior. It is derived from a word meaning small. This name appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, marking it as a specific, though minor, location in the biblical record.
The single biblical reference to H6730 is found in the description of the allotment of land to the tribe of Judah. In the book of Joshua, Zior is listed as one of several cities in the hill country given to Judah. It appears in a list alongside Humtah H2547 and the significant city of Kirjatharba H7153, which the text clarifies "is Hebron" Joshua 15:54. This passage identifies Zior as one of "nine cities with their villages" Joshua 15:54.
Several related words help establish the context of Zior's location and classification:
- H5892 ʻîyr (a city): This term is used to classify Zior. The passage explicitly states it is one of nine cities H5892 in the region Joshua 15:54, defining it as a settled, guarded place.
- H2691 châtsêr (village): Zior is mentioned as a city "with their villages" Joshua 15:54. This term denotes the surrounding hamlets or enclosed yards that were administratively connected to the main city.
- H2275 Chebrôwn (Hebron): Zior is geographically anchored by its inclusion in a list with Hebron, a major historical center known as a "seat of association" Joshua 15:54. Hebron was where Abraham built an altar Genesis 13:18 and where David was told to go to begin his reign over Judah 2 Samuel 2:1.
- H7153 Qiryath ʼArbaʻ (Kirjatharba): The verse identifies this as the former name for Hebron Joshua 15:54. It is defined as the "city of Arba," who was a "great man among the Anakims" Joshua 14:15.
The significance of H6730 is primarily geographical and administrative rather than theological.
- Judah's Inheritance: Zior's mention serves to precisely delineate the territory assigned to the tribe of Judah in the mountains, fulfilling the division of the promised land as commanded by God.
- Geographical Marker: Though its own history is not detailed, its placement next to Hebron H2275 situates it within a highly significant region associated with the patriarchs and the foundation of the Davidic kingdom Joshua 15:54.
- A "Small" Place: The meaning of Tsîyʻôr as "small" provides a descriptive detail, suggesting its minor status when compared to its powerful neighbor, Hebron, which was once known as the city of Arba, a great man among the Anakims Joshua 14:15.
In summary, H6730 Tsîyʻôr is the name of a small town, Zior, mentioned once in Scripture. Its sole appearance in the list of Judah's inheritance Joshua 15:54 firmly places it within the biblical map of ancient Israel. While not a center of major events, its name, meaning, and proximity to the great city of Hebron provide a specific detail that contributes to the comprehensive record of the settlement of the tribes.
TRV