or צִץ; from צוּץ; properly, glistening, i.e. a burnished plate; also a flower (as bright-colored); a wing (as gleaming in the air); blossom, flower, plate, wing.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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