The Hebrew word tsîyts, represented by H6731, carries multiple meanings derived from the idea of glistening or being bright. It can refer to a flower, a burnished plate, or a wing. It appears 15 times across 15 unique verses, illustrating its diverse applications in scripture.
Biblically, H6731 is used in three distinct contexts. Most frequently, it signifies a flower or blossom, often to symbolize the fleeting nature of human life, which comes forth like a flower and is cut down Job 14:2. This imagery is repeated to contrast human frailty with the eternal word of God Isaiah 40:8. In a different context, it describes the golden plate worn by the high priest on his mitre H4701, engraved with "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" Exodus 28:36. Finally, it is used for the "open flowers" carved into the walls and doors of Solomon's temple (1 Kings 6:29, 1 Kings 6:32) and once to describe wings given for escape Jeremiah 48:9.
Several related words clarify the meaning of H6731 in its various uses:
- H6525 perach (blossom, bud, flower): This word is often used for a bloom or bud. In the account of Aaron's rod, it is said to have brought forth buds H6525 and bloomed blossoms H6731, showing a progression of divine life and confirmation Numbers 17:8.
- H5034 nâbêl (fade away, wither): This term is frequently paired with H6731 to emphasize the theme of transience. Scripture states that grass H2682 withers and the flower H6731 fadeth H5034, highlighting the temporary nature of earthly beauty Isaiah 40:8.
- H2091 zâhâb (gold): This word for gold is directly linked to the use of H6731 as a plate. The holy plate H6731 on the high priest's crown was specifically made of pure gold H2091, connecting the glistening nature of the metal with the holy object Exodus 28:36.
The theological weight of H6731 is significant, often teaching through contrast.
- The Frailty of Man: The image of the fading flower is a powerful biblical metaphor for the temporary nature of human life and glory. Man flourishes like a flower of the field H7704, but just as quickly, he fades and withers away (Psalms 103:15, Isaiah 40:6). This serves as a reminder of mortality and dependence on God.
- Divine Appointment and Holiness: As a glistening plate on the high priest's forehead, H6731 symbolizes consecration and divine authority. Engraved with "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" H3068, it marked the high priest as set apart for God's service Exodus 39:30. Similarly, the blossoms on Aaron's rod served as a miraculous sign of God's choice for the Levitical priesthood Numbers 17:8.
- Sanctified Beauty: While natural flowers fade, the "open flowers" carved into the temple were permanent fixtures overlaid with gold H2091 1 Kings 6:35. This represents a lasting, sanctified beauty within God's dwelling place H1004, pointing to an eternal glory that does not wither.
In summary, H6731 is a multifaceted word that signifies a flower, a plate, and a wing. It powerfully illustrates the contrast between the transient and the eternal. It is used to describe the fragility of human life, which fades like a flower, while also representing the permanent holiness and enduring beauty found in God's presence and among those He sets apart for His purposes. From a wilting blossom in the field to a golden plate on the high priest's crown, tsîyts captures the Bible's teaching on both human mortality and divine glory.
TRV