from צָלַח; something protracted or flattened out, i.e. a platter; pan.
Transliteration:tsêlâchâh
Pronunciation:tsay-law-khaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H6745}}` (צֵלָחָה - tsêlâchâh) is a feminine noun derived from the verbal root `{{H6743}}` (צָלַח - tsâlach), which fundamentally means "to advance, to prosper, to succeed, to break through." While the root suggests movement or efficacy, the noun tsêlâchâh refers to a concrete object: a "platter" or "pan." The connection to the root's meaning likely pertains to the physical shape—something "protracted" or "flattened out," perhaps implying an object that "extends" or "spreads out." Its semantic range is narrow, consistently denoting a shallow vessel used for cooking or serving, emphasizing its broad, flat form suitable for frying, roasting, or holding items.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H6745}}` appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, with its usage consistently pointing to a practical utensil:
* In [[2 Kings 2:20]], the prophet Elisha instructs the people of Jericho, "Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein." The term tsêlâchâh is here translated as "cruse" (KJV) or "dish/bowl" (other versions). This vessel is used as a container for the salt that Elisha casts into the spring to purify the city's water. The emphasis on it being "new" might suggest a requirement for ritual purity or simply a clean vessel for a divine act. In this context, the tsêlâchâh is an ordinary object that becomes an instrument in God's miraculous intervention.
* In [[2 Chronicles 35:13]], during King Josiah's great Passover celebration, it is recorded, "And they roasted the passover with fire according to the ordinance: but the other holy offerings sod they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and divided them speedily among all the people." Here, tsêlâchâh is translated as "pans," appearing alongside other cooking vessels (`{{H5518}}` - sir, `{{H4115}}` - marḥeshet). This usage firmly establishes tsêlâchâh as a culinary implement, specifically a pan, used for preparing sacrificial meat. Its presence in the context of the Passover underscores its role in the practical aspects of cultic worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root `{{H6743}}` (צָלַח - tsâlach), from which tsêlâchâh is derived. While the verb often denotes success or prosperity, its connection to the noun tsêlâchâh is likely through the idea of "extending" or "spreading out," describing the physical form of a platter or pan.
Other related terms are general words for vessels or specific types of cooking implements:
* `{{H3595}}` (כְּלִי - kĕlî): A broad term for "vessel," "utensil," or "implement," under which tsêlâchâh would fall.
* `{{H5518}}` (סִיר - sir): Refers to a "pot" or "kettle," typically deeper than a tsêlâchâh.
* `{{H4115}}` (מַרְחֶשֶׁת - marḥeshet): Denotes a "baking pan" or "griddle," similar in function to tsêlâchâh but perhaps with a slightly different shape or specific use.
* `{{H6376}}` (פָּרוּר - pârûr): Another term for a "pot" or "caldron."
The distinction between these terms often lies in subtle differences in shape, depth, or specific culinary application, with tsêlâchâh emphasizing its shallow, extended form.
### Theological Significance
On its own, `{{H6745}}` (tsêlâchâh) is a mundane object without inherent theological meaning. It is a common household or temple utensil. However, its appearances in the biblical narrative offer subtle theological insights:
* **Divine Use of the Ordinary:** In the account of Elisha's miracle ([[2 Kings 2:20]]), the tsêlâchâh serves as a simple, ordinary container through which God's extraordinary power is channeled. This illustrates a recurring biblical theme: God often uses humble, everyday objects and individuals to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating that the power resides in Him alone, not in the instrument. The "newness" of the cruse might symbolize purity or a fresh start initiated by divine intervention.
* **Sanctification of Practicality in Worship:** In the context of the Passover ([[2 Chronicles 35:13]]), the tsêlâchâh is used in the preparation of sacred offerings. This highlights that even the seemingly mundane aspects of ritual—the cooking and serving of food—are integral to the worship of God. It underscores the meticulous attention to detail required in cultic service and suggests that all elements, no matter how common, are consecrated when used in obedience to divine commands.
Thus, while not a term of theological doctrine, tsêlâchâh serves as a tangible reminder that God's work permeates all aspects of life, and that even the most common objects can be sanctified and employed for His divine purposes.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H6745}}` (צֵלָחָה - tsêlâchâh) denotes a "platter" or "pan," a shallow vessel whose name likely derives from the root `{{H6743}}` (tsâlach), conveying the sense of being "protracted" or "flattened out." Though rare in the biblical text, its occurrences are significant for their contextual implications. In [[2 Kings 2:20]], it functions as a simple container for the salt used by Elisha in a divine miracle, illustrating God's use of ordinary means for extraordinary ends. In [[2 Chronicles 35:13]], it is listed among the cooking implements for preparing Passover sacrifices, emphasizing the practical yet consecrated nature of all elements involved in worship. While tsêlâchâh is a common object without intrinsic theological weight, its presence in these narratives underscores the biblical principle that God's power can be manifested through humble instruments and that all aspects of life, including the practical and mundane, can be sanctified for His service and glory.
TRV