a denominative from צִיר in the sense of ambassador; to make an errand, i.e. betake oneself; make as if...had been ambassador.
Transliteration:tsâyar
Pronunciation:tsaw-yar'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H6737}}` (צָיַר, *tsâyar*) is a denominative verb, meaning it is derived from a noun. Its root is explicitly linked to `{{H6738}}` (צִיר, *tsîyr*), which carries multiple semantic ranges, including "hinge," "pain," and crucially for this verb, "messenger" or "ambassador." Thus, the core meaning of `{{H6737}}` is intrinsically tied to the action or role of an ambassador. It signifies "to make an errand," "to betake oneself," or more specifically, "to make as if one had been an ambassador." This latter nuance, explicitly provided in the base definition, suggests a deliberate, often feigned, assumption of an ambassadorial role, involving a journey or presentation in that capacity. The emphasis is on the *act* of presenting oneself or undertaking a mission *as* an envoy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H6737}}` (צָיַר, *tsâyar*) is remarkably rare, appearing only once in the entire Hebrew Bible. This singular occurrence is found in [[Joshua 9:4]]: "they also acted craftily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up;" (ESV).
The context is crucial for understanding its precise meaning. This verse describes the Gibeonites' cunning strategy to deceive Joshua and the Israelites. Faced with the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, the Gibeonites sought to avoid destruction by pretending to be from a very distant land, thereby exempting themselves from the divine command to utterly destroy the local inhabitants. The phrase "made as if they had been ambassadors" (וַיִּצְטַיָּרוּ, *vayyitsṭayyārū*) perfectly encapsulates their ruse. They did not *send* ambassadors; rather, they *presented themselves* as ambassadors. The Hithpael stem of the verb here emphasizes their self-presentation and deliberate assumption of this role. They meticulously crafted their appearance—old sacks, worn-out garments, mended wineskins, dry and moldy provisions—to support their fabricated story of a long and arduous journey from a far-off land, a journey befitting a diplomatic mission. This single usage powerfully illustrates the verb's meaning of feigned ambassadorship and strategic deception.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to `{{H6737}}` (צָיַר, *tsâyar*) is its root noun, `{{H6738}}` (צִיר, *tsîyr*), which in its relevant semantic range means "messenger" or "ambassador." This derivation underscores the core concept of an envoy or a diplomatic representative.
Other related Hebrew words and concepts pertain to the broader sphere of sending, messaging, and diplomatic interaction:
* `{{H4397}}` (מַלְאָךְ, *mal'akh*): A general term for "messenger" or "angel," often used for divine or human envoys.
* `{{H7971}}` (שָׁלַח, *shalakh*): The common verb "to send" or "to dispatch," frequently used in contexts of sending messengers or envoys.
* `{{H6030}}` (עָמַד, *'amad*): "To stand," which can imply presenting oneself or taking a position, relevant to the Gibeonites' self-presentation.
* Concepts related to this word's usage include:
* **Diplomacy and Treaty-Making:** The act of sending or presenting ambassadors is central to ancient Near Eastern diplomacy and the formation of covenants or treaties.
* **Deception and Guile:** The specific context in [[Joshua 9:4]] highlights the use of an ambassadorial guise for deceitful purposes.
* **Covenant and Oath:** The Gibeonites' action directly led to a covenant with Israel, underscoring the serious nature of oaths made before God.
### Theological Significance
Despite its solitary appearance, the theological significance of `{{H6737}}` (צָיַר, *tsâyar*) is profound, as it marks a pivotal moment in Israel's conquest of Canaan. The Gibeonites' act of "making as if they had been ambassadors" was not merely a clever trick but a strategic maneuver that directly impacted Israel's obedience to God's commands and its subsequent history.
1. **Human Fallibility and Divine Counsel:** The Gibeonites' successful deception, facilitated by their feigned ambassadorship, exposed Israel's vulnerability to human guile. Crucially, [[Joshua 9:14]] states that the Israelites "did not ask counsel from the LORD." This highlights the theological imperative for God's people to seek divine wisdom, especially in matters of covenant and foreign relations, rather than relying solely on human judgment or outward appearances.
2. **The Sanctity of Oaths:** The Gibeonites' deception led to a binding oath sworn by the leaders of Israel before YHWH ([[Joshua 9:15]]). Even when the truth was revealed, Israel felt compelled to honor the oath, demonstrating the profound sanctity and inviolability of covenants made in God's name ([[Joshua 9:18-20]]). This episode underscores God's faithfulness to His people's word, even when that word was given under duress or deception, and the serious consequences of breaking such an oath.
3. **Divine Providence amidst Human Error:** While Israel erred in judgment, God's overarching plan was not thwarted. The Gibeonites, though spared, became "hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD" ([[Joshua 9:21, 23, 27]]), serving in a perpetual capacity. This illustrates how God can providentially weave human mistakes into His larger purposes, maintaining the integrity of His commands while also demonstrating mercy.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H6737}}` (צָיַר, *tsâyar*), transliterated as *tsâyar*, is a unique and highly significant word in the biblical lexicon, appearing only once in [[Joshua 9:4]]. Derived from `{{H6738}}` (צִיר) in its sense of "ambassador," its core meaning is "to make an errand" or specifically, "to make as if one had been an ambassador." This precise nuance is perfectly exemplified in its sole biblical occurrence, where it describes the Gibeonites' deceptive strategy of presenting themselves as distant envoys to secure a covenant with Israel. This act of feigned ambassadorship led to profound theological implications, highlighting Israel's failure to seek divine counsel, the inviolable sanctity of oaths sworn before YHWH, and God's sovereign ability to work His purposes even through human error. Thus, while numerically rare, `{{H6737}}` encapsulates a pivotal moment of strategic deception that shaped the early history of Israel in the Promised Land and offers enduring lessons on discernment, covenant fidelity, and divine providence.
TRV