from צָלַל in the sense of rolling; a (round or flattened) cake; cake.
Transliteration:tsᵉlûwl
Pronunciation:tsel-ool'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H6742}}` (צְלוּל, *tsᵉlûwl*) refers to a specific type of baked good, defined as a "(round or flattened) cake." Its etymological root is derived from `{{H6749}}` (צָלַל, *tsalal*), which can carry the sense of "rolling" or "tumbling." This etymological connection is crucial, as it suggests either the method of forming the cake (e.g., rolling dough) or, more significantly in its biblical context, the manner in which the cake moves. The semantic range of `{{H6742}}` is quite narrow, specifically denoting a simple, often unleavened, cake, distinguished by its shape or its characteristic movement. It points to a common, unrefined food item, often associated with everyday sustenance rather than elaborate offerings or feasts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H6742}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Judges:
* **[[Judges 7:13]]**: "And when Gideon came, behold, a man was telling a dream to his comrade. And he said, 'Behold, I dreamed a dream, and behold, a cake of barley bread `{{H6742}}` was tumbling into the camp of Midian and came to the tent and struck it so that it fell and turned it upside down, and the tent lay flat.'"
In this singular occurrence, `{{H6742}}` is used in the context of a dream recounted by a Midianite soldier, overheard by Gideon. The "cake of barley bread" (צְלוּל לֶחֶם שְׂעֹרִים) is not merely a static object but is described as "tumbling" or "rolling" (מִתְהַפֵּךְ). This dynamic action directly links back to the root meaning of `{{H6749}}` and is central to the dream's prophetic significance. Barley bread was typically the food of the poor or common people, contrasting with the more refined wheat. Its humble nature, combined with its disruptive power to overturn a tent (symbolizing the entire Midianite encampment), is interpreted by the Midianite soldier as a divine sign: "This is nothing else but the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel; for into his hand God has delivered Midian and all the camp" ([[Judges 7:14]]). The `{{H6742}}` here serves as a powerful symbol of God's ability to use humble and seemingly insignificant means to achieve mighty ends, inspiring Gideon and demoralizing the enemy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to `{{H6742}}` is its root verb, `{{H6749}}` (צָלַל, *tsalal*), which in this context conveys the sense of "rolling" or "tossing," directly informing the noun's meaning and its action in [[Judges 7:13]].
Other Hebrew words for various forms of bread or cakes offer comparative insight:
* `{{H3899}}` (לֶחֶם, *lechem*): The most general term for bread or food. `{{H6742}}` is explicitly qualified by `{{H3899}}` as "a cake of bread."
* `{{H5692}}` (עֻגָה, *‘ugah*): A common term for a round cake, often baked on coals, frequently appearing in the Pentateuch and Prophets. While also a simple cake, `{{H6742}}` specifically emphasizes the 'rolling' aspect.
* `{{H2471}}` (חַלָּה, *challâh*): Refers to a pierced or consecrated cake, often associated with offerings. This highlights the distinction between the mundane `{{H6742}}` and more sacred baked goods.
Conceptually, `{{H6742}}` is linked to:
* **Divine Providence and Intervention:** The dream's interpretation clearly attributes the "cake's" disruptive power to God's hand.
* **Humility and Power:** The common barley cake, representing Gideon's small and seemingly weak force, is divinely empowered to overthrow a mighty army.
* **Symbolism in Dreams:** The narrative underscores how God communicates profound truths through symbolic imagery, even using everyday objects.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of `{{H6742}}` in [[Judges 7:13]] carries profound theological weight. The "cake of barley bread" serves as a potent symbol of God's methodology in salvation history. It vividly illustrates the principle articulated later by the Apostle Paul, that God "chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are" ([[1 Corinthians 1:27-28]]).
The humble `{{H6742}}`, representing Gideon's meager force, is supernaturally empowered to overturn the formidable Midianite camp. This demonstrates:
1. **Divine Sovereignty:** God is in absolute control, capable of using the most unexpected and seemingly inadequate means to accomplish His will. The "rolling" action is not random but divinely orchestrated.
2. **God's Strength in Weakness:** The insignificance of the barley cake highlights that victory is not achieved through human might or numbers, but through God's power acting on behalf of His people. This provides assurance to Gideon and to all who trust in God's unconventional methods.
3. **Encouragement for the Fainthearted:** The dream's interpretation provides the necessary confirmation for Gideon, who was initially hesitant. The `{{H6742}}` becomes a tangible sign of God's presence and promise of victory.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H6742}}` (צְלוּל, *tsᵉlûwl*) denotes a simple, often round or flattened, cake, deriving its name from the concept of "rolling" or "tumbling." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Judges 7:13]] is highly symbolic, where a "cake of barley bread" is seen tumbling into the Midianite camp, overturning a tent. This image profoundly illustrates God's power to work through humble and seemingly insignificant means to achieve mighty ends. The `{{H6742}}` in this context represents the divine instrument for the overthrow of the proud and powerful by the seemingly weak, serving as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to bring about salvation through unexpected and often humble channels.
TRV